Yuen, CA

Billy Yuen, Mountain View, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20080313066

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING RECEIPTS - A method and system for managing receipts includes a process for managing receipts whereby when a user makes a purchase of a product and/or service, an electronic copy of the data on the purchase receipt is generated. The purchase receipt data is then assigned an identification code unique to the user to create user correlated purchase receipt data. The user correlated purchase receipt data is then transferred to a data storage device where the user correlated purchase receipt data is stored until needed. The user correlated purchase receipt data is then made accessible to the user, and/or an authorized agent for the user, as needed, by accessing the data on the data storage device through a user account.

12-18-2008

Cindy Yuen, Saratoga, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090174475

Smart linearized power amplifier and related systems and methods - A power amplifier subsystem that includes a first stage amplifier and a second stage amplifier. A first bias circuit is coupled to the first stage amplifier, and the first bias circuit has a variable impedance that increases with radio frequency (RF) power. A second bias circuit is coupled to the second stage amplifier, and the second bias circuit has impedance relatively fixed with respect to radio frequency (RF) power. According to an embodiment of the invention, the first bias circuit comprises a transistor having a collector current that increases as radio frequency (RF) power increases. The second bias circuit can have a relatively fixed impedance. A method of designing an amplifier subsystem, where transistor size and resistor values are selected to obtain the desired bias and linearity characteristics, or transistor size and resistor values are selected to operate within a selected range, and amplifier performance is adjusted by changing the bias control voltage.

07-09-2009

20140036471

Thin Leadframe QFN Package Design of RF Front-Ends for Mobile Wireless Communication - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a low cost, compact size, and thin half-etched leadframe quad-flat no-leads (QFN) package that integrates RF passive elements in the QFN leadframe for linearized PA design and RF FEMs. The integrated RF passive elements in the QFN leadframe may include RF inductors (e.g., meanders lines or spirals) for amplifier bias or RF matching, extension bar of the ground paddle for inter-stage matching or jumper pads for connection. The integrated RF passive elements may also include transmission lines for output power matching, coupled line structures such as RF couplers, RF divider or combiner realized using transmission lines with proper impedance and length, jumper pads for adjusting the bond wire length, etc. The RF parameters of the integrated passive elements are adjustable using different length and number of wire bond for fine tuning the performance of the PAM or the RF FEM.

02-06-2014

Constance Yuen, Newport Coast, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120009156

GERMLINE STEM CELL BANKING SYSTEM - Methods and systems are provided for the isolation, characterization, cryopreservation and banking of human germline stem cells and gonadal tissue. Also disclosed are methods for the transplanting of the cryopreserved cells to repopulate a sterile reproductive organ.

Delia P. Yuen, Cupertino, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090042243

AUTOMATED TISSUE STAINING SYSTEM AND REAGENT CONTAINER - An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

02-12-2009

20100093079

Automated Tissue Staining System And Reagent Container - An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

04-15-2010

20110176977

Automated Tissue Staining System And Reagent Container - An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

07-21-2011

20120219469

AUTOMATED TISSUE STAINING SYSTEM AND REAGENT CONTAINER - An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

08-30-2012

Patent applications by Delia P. Yuen, Cupertino, CA US

Don Yuen, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140121512

IN VIVO VISUALIZATION OF LYMPHATIC TISSUE - Aspects of the invention include methods for visualizing lymphatic tissue in an ocular region, e.g., the cornea, of a living subject, such as a mouse or human. In certain embodiments, the methods include contacting the region with a fluorescently-labeled lymphatic tissue-specific dye, e.g., FITC or rhodamine labeled dextran, and detecting the labeled dye to visualize lymphatic tissue in the region, where the visualization may vary, from an image obtained at a single time to a video over a period of time. The invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including research and therapeutic applications.

05-01-2014

Doris Susie Yuen, Oxnard, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140356302

Buoyant Cosmetic Gel Formulation - A buoyant cosmetic gel formulation with a high moisture content that increases the longevity and facilitates the application of the formulation on a user's skin through various means of application. The buoyant cosmetic gel formulation contains a volatile liquid, a polysaccharide as a film forming and structuring agent, a humectant, effect pigments, and an anhydrous phase. The formulation suspends the effect pigments in a manner in an aqueous phase formed by the polysaccharide and the volatile liquid. The formulation is externally applied on a user's skin and is perceived as soft and light weight.

12-04-2014

Gerald Yuen, Pasadena, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090248543

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MESSAGE-BASED PURCHASING - Various embodiments of a system and method for message-based purchasing are described. The system and method for message-based purchasing may include a message-based purchase service configured to determine that a selection has been performed through a network-based interface. Such selection may be indicative of one or more items offered for sale via the network-based interface. The message-based purchase service may be configured to, in response to the selection of one or more items, send to a communication device, a message indicating a code corresponding to the selection. The message-based purchase service may receive from the communication device through a communication channel that does not include the network-based interface, a message including the code. The message-based purchase service may be configured to, in response to determining that the message received from the communication device includes the code, generate a purchase request for the one or more previously selected items.

10-01-2009

20090249459

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING REQUESTS FOR TASKS FROM UNREGISTERED DEVICES - Embodiments of a system and method for receiving task requests from unregistered devices are described. Embodiments may include a communication interface service configured to receive from a communication device a message indicative of a request to perform a task. The communication interface service may determine that the communication device is not registered with an existing account that provides information for performing said task. The communication interface service may obtain identification and authentication information for an existing account via a communication channel. The existing account may be an account for that is accessible via a network-based interface. The communication channel through which the identification and authentication information is received by the communication interface service may be any communication channel that does not include the network-based interface of the existing account. Additionally, the communication interface service may use the identification and authentication information for performance of the task using the existing account.

10-01-2009

20120303482

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MESSAGE-BASED PURCHASING - Various embodiments of a system and method for message-based purchasing are described. The system and method for message-based purchasing may include a message-based purchase service configured to determine that a selection has been performed through a network-based interface. Such selection may be indicative of one or more items offered for sale via the network-based interface. The message-based purchase service may be configured to, in response to the selection of one or more items, send to a communication device, a message indicating a code corresponding to the selection. The message-based purchase service may receive from the communication device through a communication channel that does not include the network-based interface, a message including the code. The message-based purchase service may be configured to, in response to determining that the message received from the communication device includes the code, generate a purchase request for the one or more previously selected items.

11-29-2012

20140012702

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MESSAGE-BASED PURCHASING - Various embodiments of a system and method for message-based purchasing are described. The system and method for message-based purchasing may include a message-based purchase service configured to determine that a selection has been performed through a network-based interface. Such selection may be indicative of one or more items offered for sale via the network-based interface. The message-based purchase service may be configured to, in response to the selection of one or more items, send to a communication device, a message indicating a code corresponding to the selection. The message-based purchase service may receive from the communication device through a communication channel that does not include the network-based interface, a message including the code. The message-based purchase service may be configured to, in response to determining that the message received from the communication device includes the code, generate a purchase request for the one or more previously selected items.

01-09-2014

20140095391

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING REQUESTS FOR TASKS FROM UNREGISTERED DEVICES - Embodiments of a system and method for receiving task requests from unregistered devices are described. Embodiments may include a communication interface service configured to receive from a communication device a message indicative of a request to perform a task. The communication interface service may determine that the communication device is not registered with an existing account that provides information for performing said task. The communication interface service may obtain identification and authentication information for an existing account via a communication channel. The existing account may be an account for that is accessible via a network-based interface. The communication channel through which the identification and authentication information is received by the communication interface service may be any communication channel that does not include the network-based interface of the existing account. Additionally, the communication interface service may use the identification and authentication information for performance of the task using the existing account.

04-03-2014

20140258103

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERSONALIZED COMMANDS - Various embodiments of a system and method for personalized commands are described. The system and method for personalized commands may include a payment service including a command management component. Such payment service may be responsive to one or more base commands. The command management component may be configured to generate a user interface for specifying personalized commands that correspond to the base commands. The command management component may be configured to generate mapping information from the information received via the user interface. The command management component may be configured to receive one or more messages that may include commands for the payment service, including personalized commands. From the personalized commands, the command management component may be configured to determine a corresponding base commands (e.g., based on the mapping information). Once the base command is determined, the payment service may perform the base command.

09-11-2014

Patent applications by Gerald Yuen, Pasadena, CA US

Guy Yuen, Morgan Hill, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110080773

CIRCUIT FOR GENERATING ADJUSTABLE TIMING SIGNALS FOR SENSING A SELF-REFERENCED MRAM CELL - Controllable readout circuit for performing a self-referenced read operation on a memory device comprising a plurality of magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cells comprising a selecting device for selecting one of the MRAM cells, and a sense circuit for sourcing a sense current to measure the first and second resistance value; the sense circuit comprising a sample and hold circuit for performing said storing said first resistance value, and a differential amplifier circuit for performing said comparing the second resistance value to the stored first resistance value; wherein the controllable readout circuit further comprises a control circuit adapted to provide a pulse-shaped timing signal with a pulse duration controlling the duration of the first read cycle and the second read cycle. The controllable readout circuit allows for controlling the duration of the first and second read cycles after completion of the MRAM cell and readout circuit fabrication.

04-07-2011

Hector Yuen, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120017046

UNIFIED MANAGEMENT OF STORAGE AND APPLICATION CONSISTENT SNAPSHOTS - A storage management application of a storage array is operable to create a new volume on the storage device array, and to automatically configure, responsive to user selection of an application protection profile, data protection services for application data to be stored on the volume, and/or, responsive to user selection of an application performance profile, application specific performance parameters. The application protection profile specifies scheduling and replication of snapshots for application data to be stored on the volume, and the application performance profile specifies performance parameters such as setting a block size, enabling or modifying a data caching algorithm, turning on or modifying data compression, etc. The scheduling, replication and/or application performance may be managed by a daemon associated with the storage management application which communicates with an agent associated with an application server on which the application executes.

01-19-2012

Helen S. Yuen, Oakland, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100205522

REGISTRY DRIVEN INTEROPERABILITY AND EXCHANGE OF DOCUMENTS - The present invention relates to systems and methods for registry driven transformation of a document exchanged between businesses or applications. More particularly, it relates to systems and protocols for using one or more commonly accessible registries to transform electronic commerce documents among dissimilar interfaces, preferably XML documents. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

08-12-2010

20140164898

REGISTRY DRIVEN INTEROPERABILITY AND EXCHANGE OF DOCUMENTS - The present invention relates to systems and methods for registry driven transformation of a document exchanged between businesses or applications. More particularly, it relates to systems and protocols for using one or more commonly accessible registries to transform electronic commerce documents among dissimilar interfaces, preferably XML documents. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

06-12-2014

Patent applications by Helen S. Yuen, Oakland, CA US

Henry C. Yuen, Redondo Beach, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090307724

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GRAZING TELEVISION CHANNELS FROM AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE - A television system comprises an electronic program guide (EPG) including a picture-in-picture (PIP) window and means for returning to a last channel viewed full screen (LCF) in a television viewing mode prior to entering the guide mode. The EPG displays a program list including a listing for the LCF and text identifying it as such. This last channel listing is positioned at the top of a program list area in the guide. The viewer returns directly to the LCF in the television viewing mode by setting a cursor to the last channel listing prior to exiting the guide mode. In guides including listings for future programs, the last channel listing remains in a designated position of the program list area. To return to the LCF from the guide mode, the viewer cursors to the last channel listing in the program list and then presses a GUIDE/TV button, designates the LCF as the default channel to which the system automatically tunes when exiting the guide mode, or presses a LAST CHANNEL button on the remote control unit to simultaneously exit the guide mode and tune the system to the LCF. Alternately, the system may employ separate television and PIP tuners. In the guide mode, the television input is switched to the PIP tuner and the television tuner remains tuned to the LCF. Thus, when the viewer reselects the television viewing mode, the program being telecast on the LCF is displayed full screen.

12-10-2009

20100275230

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING TELEVISION PROGRAMS AND RELATED TEXT - A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time or stored video clip images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.

10-28-2010

20110167451

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING, STORING AND PROCESSING ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE DATA FOR ON-SCREEN DISPLAY - A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.

07-07-2011

20120167136

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING TELEVISION PROGRAMS AND RELATED TEXT - A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time or stored video clip images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.

06-28-2012

Patent applications by Henry C. Yuen, Redondo Beach, CA US

Homan Yuen, Sunnyvale, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120285526

WINDOW STRUCTURE FOR SOLAR CELL - A multilayer window structure for a solar cell comprises one or more layers where the bottom layer has an intrinsic material lattice spacing that is substantially the same as the emitter in the plane perpendicular to the direction of epitaxial growth. One or more upper layers of the window structure has progressively higher band gaps than the bottom layer and has intrinsic material lattice spacing is substantially different than the emitter intrinsic material lattice spacing.

11-15-2012

Homan B. Yuen, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20130118546

High Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells - Multijunction solar cells having at least four subcells are disclosed, in which at least one of the subcells comprises a base layer formed of an alloy of one or more elements from group III on the periodic table, nitrogen, arsenic, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sb and Bi, and each of the subcells is substantially lattice matched. Methods of manufacturing solar cells and photovoltaic systems comprising at least one of the multijunction solar cells are also disclosed.

05-16-2013

20130118566

HIGH EFFICIENCY MULTIJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS - Multijunction solar cells having at least four subcells are disclosed, in which at least one of the subcells comprises a base layer formed of an alloy of one or more elements from group III on the periodic table, nitrogen, arsenic, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sb and Bi, and each of the subcells is substantially lattice matched. Methods of manufacturing solar cells and photovoltaic systems comprising at least one of the multijunction solar cells are also disclosed.

05-16-2013

20130122638

High Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells - Multijunction solar cells having at least four subcells are disclosed, in which at least one of the subcells comprises a base layer formed of an alloy of one or more elements from group III on the periodic table, nitrogen, arsenic, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sb and Bi, and each of the subcells is substantially lattice matched. Methods of manufacturing solar cells and photovoltaic systems comprising at least one of the multijunction solar cells are also disclosed.

05-16-2013

Homan B. Yuen, Sunnyvale, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090014061

GaInNAsSb solar cells grown by molecular beam epitaxy - A high efficiency triple-junction solar cell and method of manufacture therefor is provided wherein junctions are formed between different types of III-V semiconductor alloy materials, one alloy of which contains a combination of an effective amount of antimony (Sb) with gallium (Ga), indium (In), nitrogen (N, the nitride component) and arsenic (As) to form the dilute nitride semiconductor layer GaInNAsSb which has particularly favorable characteristics in a solar cell. In particular, the bandgap and lattice matching promote efficient solar energy conversion.

MULTIJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS FORMED ON N-DOPED SUBSTRATES - An “n-on-p” type multijunction solar cell structure is disclosed using an n-type substrate for the epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductor material, wherein a “p-on-n” tunnel junction diode is disposed between the substrate and one or more heteroepitaxial layers of III-V semiconductor materials.

05-19-2011

20120216858

PSEUDOMORPHIC WINDOW LAYER FOR MULTIJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS - Photovoltaic cells with one or more subcells are provided with a wide band gap, pseudomorphic window layer of at least 15 nm in thickness and with an intrinsic material lattice constant that differs by at least 1% from an adjacent emitter layer. This window layer has a higher band gap than a window layer with substantially the same intrinsic material lattice constant as the adjacent emitter layer, which increases the light transmission through the window, thereby increasing the current generation in the solar cell. The quality of being pseudomorphic material preserves a good interface between the window and the emitter, reducing the minority carrier surface recombination velocity. A method is provided for building a wide band gap, pseudomorphic window layer of a photovoltaic cell that has an intrinsic material lattice constant that differs by at least 1% from the adjacent emitter layer.

MULTI-JUNCTION SOLAR CELL WITH DILUTE NITRIDE SUB-CELL HAVING GRADED DOPING - A lattice-matched solar cell having a dilute nitride-based sub-cell has exponential doping to thereby control current-carrying capacity of the solar cell. Specifically a solar cell with at least one dilute nitride sub-cell that has a variably doped base or emitter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a lattice matched multi junction solar cell has an upper sub-cell, a middle sub-cell and a lower dilute nitride sub-cell, the lower dilute nitride sub-cell having doping in the base and/or the emitter that is at least partially exponentially doped so as to improve its solar cell performance characteristics. In construction, the dilute nitride sub-cell may have the lowest bandgap and be lattice matched to a substrate, the middle cell typically has a higher bandgap than the dilute nitride sub-cell while it is lattice matched to the dilute nitride sub-cell. The upper sub-cell typically has the highest bandgap and is lattice matched to the adjacent sub-cell. In further embodiments, a multi junction solar cell according to the invention may comprise four, five or more sub-cells in which the one or more sub-cells may each comprise exponentially doped dilute nitride alloys.

Jenny Yuen, Menlo Park, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140267000

Systems and Methods for Automatically Entering Symbols into a String of Symbols Based on an Image of an Object - In one embodiment, a method includes, in connection with a user entering a string of symbols into a graphical user interface (GUI) of a mobile computing device, capturing an image of an object with a sensor on the mobile computing device, automatically identifying the object from the image, automatically determining one or more symbols associated with the object as identified from the image, and automatically entering the symbols into the string of symbols.

09-18-2014

Joshua Yuen, Los Gatos, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20150206447

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTHORING CONTENT FOR WEB VIEWABLE TEXTBOOK DATA OBJECT - An apparatus for creating or modifying browser-renderable teaching objects for use in creating a browser-renderable textbook data object. The apparatus includes a database, a network interface for receiving a source file containing codes for creating or modifying the browser-renderable teaching objects by way of a network, and a processor configured to create or modify the teaching objects based on the codes, and store the teaching objects in the database. A first code instructs the processor to create at least one browser-renderable section object for the textbook data object, the first code including a first attribute configured to instruct the processor to configure the at least one section object such that, when rendered by a browser module, a specified section title is provided at a beginning of the at least one section object; and (2) set of codes configured to instruct the processor to create or modify the teaching objects within the at least one section object.

07-23-2015

Kendrick H. Yuen, San Diego, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110273926

Method and Apparatus of Probabilistic Programming Multi-Level Memory in Cluster States Of Bi-Stable Elements - A probabilistic programming current is injected into a cluster of bi-stable probabilistic switching elements, the probabilistic programming current having parameters set to result in a less than unity probability of any given bi-stable switching element switching, and a resistance of the cluster of bi-stable switching elements is detected. The probabilistic programming current is injected and the resistance of the cluster state detected until a termination condition is met. Optionally the termination condition is detecting the resistance of the cluster of bi-stable switching elements at a value representing a multi-bit data.

11-10-2011

20130187247

MULTI-BIT MAGNETIC TUNNEL JUNCTION MEMORY AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME - A spin-torque transfer (STT) magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory includes a unitary fixed magnetic layer, a magnetic barrier layer on the unitary fixed magnetic layer, a free magnetic layer having a plurality of free magnetic islands on the magnetic barrier layer, and a cap layer overlying the free magnetic layer. Also a method of forming an STT-MTJ memory.

07-25-2013

20130201757

MULTI-FREE LAYER MTJ AND MULTI-TERMINAL READ CIRCUIT WITH CONCURRENT AND DIFFERENTIAL SENSING - A multi-free layer magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) cell includes a bottom electrode layer, an anti-ferromagnetic layer on the bottom electrode layer, a fixed magnetization layer on the anti-ferromagnetic layer and a barrier layer on the fixed magnetization layer. A first free magnetization layer is on a first area of the barrier layer, and a capping layer is on the first free magnetization layer. A free magnetization layer is on a second area of the barrier layer, laterally displaced from the first area, and a capping layer is on the second free magnetization layer. Optionally current switches establish a read current path including the first free magnetization layer concurrent with not establishing a read current path including the second free magnetization layer. Optionally current switches establishing a read current path including the first and second free magnetization layer.

08-08-2013

20130245999

SPIN TORQUE TRANSFER MAGNETIC TUNNEL JUNCTION INTELLIGENT SENSING - Sensor circuitry including probabilistic switching devices, such as spin-transfer torque magnetic tunnel junctions (STT-MTJs), is configured to perform ultra-low power analog to digital conversion and compressive sensing. The analog to digital conversion and compressive sensing processes are performed simultaneously and in a manner that is native to the devices due to their probabilistic switching characteristics.

09-19-2013

20140067890

MAGNETIC TUNNEL JUNCTION BASED RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR - Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to generating a random number. An embodiment of the disclosure passes a current from a read operation through a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) to cause a first magnetization orientation of a free layer to switch to a second magnetization orientation, the switch in magnetization orientation causing a change in a resistance of the MTJ, and periodically samples the resistance of the MTJ to generate a bit value for the random number.

03-06-2014

20140167831

CLOCK DISTRIBUTION USING MTJ SENSING - Clock signals are distributed on a chip by applying an oscillating magnetic field to the chip. Local clock generation circuits including magnetic field sensors are distributed around the chip and are coupled to local clocked circuitry on the chip. The magnetic field sensors may include clock magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) in which a magnetic orientation of the free layer is free to rotate in the free layer plane in response to the applied magnetic field. The MTJ resistance alternates between a high resistance value and a low resistance value as the free layer magnetization rotates. Clock generation circuitry coupled to the clock MTJs senses voltage oscillations caused by the alternating resistance of the clock MTJs. The clock generation circuitry includes amplifiers, which convert the sensed voltage into local clock signals.

06-19-2014

20140198563

MAGNETIC TUNNELING JUNCTION NON-VOLATILE REGISTER WITH FEEDBACK FOR ROBUST READ AND WRITE OPERATIONS - A magnetic tunneling junction non-volatile register with feedback for robust read and write operations. In an embodiment, two MTJ devices are configured to store a logical 0 or a logical 1, and are coupled to drive an output node to a voltage indicative of the stored logical 0 or a logical 1. The output of a D flip-flop is fed to the two MTJ devices so that the state of the D flip-flop may be stored in the two MTJ devices during a store operation. During a read operation, the D flip-flop outputs the state of the two MTJ devices. Read disturbances are mitigated with the use of an edge detector coupled to the output node, so that a LOW voltage is provided to the D flip-flop if a rising voltage at the output node is detected.

07-17-2014

20140222880

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS USING A PHYSICAL ENTROPY SOURCE - A method and apparatus for generating random binary sequences from a physical entropy source having a state A and a state B by detecting whether the physical entropy source is in the state A or in the state B, attempting to shift the state of the physical entropy source to the opposite state in a probabilistic manner with less than 100% certainty, and producing one of four outputs based on the detected state and the state of the physical entropy source before the attempted shift. The outputs are placed in first and second queues and extracted in pairs from each queue. Random binary bits are output based on the sequences extracted from each queue.

08-07-2014

20140231940

STT-MRAM DESIGN ENHANCED BY SWITCHING CURRENT INDUCED MAGNETIC FIELD - A memory cell includes an elongated first electrode coupled to a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure and an elongated second electrode aligned with the elongated first electrode coupled to the MTJ structure. The elongated electrodes are configured to direct mutually additive portions of a switching current induced magnetic field through the MTJ. The mutually additive portions enhance switching of the MTJ in response to application of the switching current.

08-21-2014

Patent applications by Kendrick H. Yuen, San Diego, CA US

Kendrick Hoy Leong Yuen, San Diego, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20130073598

Entropy source with magneto-resistive element for random number generator - An entropy source and a random number (RN) generator are disclosed. In one aspect, a low-energy entropy source includes a magneto-resistive (MR) element and a sensing circuit. The MR element is applied a static current and has a variable resistance determined based on magnetization of the MR element. The sensing circuit senses the resistance of the MR element and provides random values based on the sensed resistance of the MR element. In another aspect, a RN generator includes an entropy source and a post-processing module. The entropy source includes at least one MR element and provides first random values based on the at least one MR element. The post-processing module receives and processes the first random values (e.g., based on a cryptographic hash function, an error detection code, a stream cipher algorithm, etc.) and provides second random values having improved randomness characteristics.

03-21-2013

20140098602

METHOD AND APPARATUS OF PROBABILISTIC PROGRAMMING MULTI-LEVEL MEMORY IN CLUSTER STATES OF BI-STABLE ELEMENTS - A probabilistic programming current is injected into a cluster of bi-stable probabilistic switching elements, the probabilistic programming current having parameters set to result in a less than unity probability of any given bi-stable switching element switching, and a resistance of the cluster of bi-stable switching elements is detected. The probabilistic programming current is injected and the resistance of the cluster state detected until a termination condition is met. Optionally the termination condition is detecting the resistance of the cluster of bi-stable switching elements at a value representing a multi-bit data.

04-10-2014

20150084972

CONTACTLESS DATA COMMUNICATION USING IN-PLANE MAGNETIC FIELDS, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments described herein are related to contactless data communication. Related systems and methods for contactless data communication are disclosed herein. For example, a magnetic field-based contactless transmitter is disclosed that includes a substrate, a pair of dipole coils disposed on the substrate, and a drive circuit electrically coupled to the pair of dipole coils. To transmit data to a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) receiver disposed on a second substrate, the drive circuit is configured to drive the pair of dipole coils so as to generate a magnetic field in-plane to the MTJ receiver. Data can be transmitted from the magnetic field-based contactless transmitter to the MTJ receiver using the magnetic field.

03-26-2015

20150145575

SPINTRONIC LOGIC GATES EMPLOYING A GIANT SPIN HALL EFFECT (GSHE) MAGNETIC TUNNEL JUNCTION (MTJ) ELEMENT(S) FOR PERFORMING LOGIC OPERATIONS, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Aspects described herein are related to spintronic logic gates employing a Giant Spin Hall Effect (GSHE) magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element(s) for performing logical operations. In one aspect, a spintronic logic gate is disclosed that includes a charge current generation circuit and a GSHE MTJ element. The charge current generation circuit is configured to generate a charge current representing an input bit set. The input bit set may include one or more input bit states for a logical operation. The GSHE MTJ element is configured to set a logical output bit state for the logical operation, and has a threshold current level. The GSHE MTJ element is configured to generate a GSHE spin current in response to the charge current and perform the logical operation on the input bit set by setting the logical output bit state based on whether the GSHE spin current exceeds the threshold current level.

05-28-2015

20150145576

SPINTRONIC LOGIC GATES EMPLOYING A GIANT SPIN HALL EFFECT (GSHE) MAGNETIC TUNNEL JUNCTION (MTJ) ELEMENT(S) FOR PERFORMING LOGIC OPERATIONS, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Aspects described herein are related to pipeline circuits employing a Giant Spin Hall Effect (GSHE) magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element(s) for performing logical operations. In one aspect, a pipeline circuit is disclosed. The pipeline circuit includes a first pipeline stage and a second pipeline stage. The first pipeline stage is configured to store a first bit set and to generate a first charge current representing the first bit set. The second pipeline stage includes a first GSHE MTJ element. The first GSHE MTJ element is configured to set a first bit state for the first logical operation, and has a first threshold current level. The first GSHE MTJ element is configured to generate a first GSHE spin current in response to the first charge current. In this manner, the first GSHE MTJ element is also configured to perform the first logical operation on the first bit set.

05-28-2015

20150194209

SENSE AMPLIFIERS EMPLOYING CONTROL CIRCUITRY FOR DECOUPLING RESISTIVE MEMORY SENSE INPUTS DURING STATE SENSING TO PREVENT CURRENT BACK INJECTION, AND RELATED METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Sense amplifiers employing control circuitry for decoupling resistive memory sense inputs during state sensing to prevent current back injection, and related methods and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, sense amplifier is provided. The sense amplifier comprises a differential sense input coupled to bit line. The sense amplifier also comprises a differential reference input coupled to reference line. First inverter inverts first inverter input into first inverter output coupled to second inverter input of second inverter, first inverter output configured to provide state of bitcell. Second inverter inverts second inverter input into second inverter output coupled to first inverter input. Control circuit couples differential reference input to first inverter and differential sense input to second inverter in latch mode, and decouples differential reference input to first inverter and differential sense input to second inverter in sensing mode to provide sensed state of bitcell on first inverter output.

07-09-2015

Patent applications by Kendrick Hoy Leong Yuen, San Diego, CA US

Kenneth Yuen, San Gabriel, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20080204527

INK CARTRIDGE - An ink cartridge including a housing, a plurality of ink outlets, and a plurality of air vent arrangements. The housing includes top and bottom walls, front and rear walls, first and second side walls, and a plurality of reservoir partitions. The reservoir partitions each extend between the first and second side walls and are spaced apart at locations between the front and rear walls to define a plurality of parallel arranged ink reservoirs. The ink outlets are positioned on the bottom wall and are in ink flow communication with the ink reservoirs. The air vent arrangements are in air flow communication with the ink reservoirs.

08-28-2008

20080204528

INK CARTRIDGE - An ink cartridge including a housing, an ink outlet arrangement, an air vent arrangement, and at least one handle. The housing includes at least a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls that define an ink reservoir. The ink outlet is positioned at the bottom wall. The air vent arrangement includes an air inlet to the ink reservoir that is positioned adjacent to the bottom wall. The handles extend from opposing sides of the housing. The handles each include a pliable portion. The pliable portion is arranged spaced apart from the side wall of the housing from which the handles extend. The ink cartridge can further include an extension member that extends from the bottom housing at the bottom wall. An extension member is configured to mount an electronic chip.

08-28-2008

20090148194

Toner cartridge - The present disclosure relates to a toner cartridge with a toner level detector mechanism. The toner level detector mechanism according to the present disclosure includes a construction that is easy to assemble and manufacture.

06-11-2009

20100134570

INK REFILL DEVICE AND METHOD - This disclosure provides a device and method for refilling ink cartridges. In some embodiments the device and related method are partially automated. In some embodiments the method involves very few manual steps, the use of the device results in very little ink loss, and the device is easy to maintain.

06-03-2010

20110012944

INK REFILL KIT - The present disclosure provides a compact and easy-to-use ink refill device that is configured to refill empty ink cartridges. The device includes an ink reservoir that stores ink, a cartridge holder that secures the cartridge during refilling, and an ink delivery system that allows ink to flow from the ink reservoir to the spent cartridge. The ink delivery system is configured to avoid ink from leaking from the reservoir before, during, and after refilling. The ink delivery system of the present disclosure is also configured to avoid overfilling or under filling.

01-20-2011

Patent applications by Kenneth Yuen, San Gabriel, CA US

Lun-Shin Yuen, Palo Alto, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110230246

Social networking word game - A social networking word game that features a set of letters generated randomly from a list of player-associated names or themed words, with letter values determined by the ordinal position of the letter in the name or word, wherein the player is presented with a set of these randomly generated letters and corresponding values and must within a given time limit and a given point system, assemble the highest scoring single word or words. Each player's unique game content may in turn be used to generate new instances of the game. The game can be played as part of a community of players, where each player's unique sub-community is managed by a server, which handles player-to-player challenges and the presentation of game instances. The client side collects game data, the server side processes this data, and then makes it available to the community at large.

09-22-2011

Lun-Teh Yuen, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090081099

TREATMENT OF ENGINE EXHAUST USING HIGH-SILICA MOLECULAR SIEVE CHA - Engine exhaust is treated with a molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure and having a mole ratio of greater than 50 of (1) an oxide selected from silicon oxide, germanium oxide or mixtures thereof to (2) an oxide selected from aluminum oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide, gallium oxide or mixtures thereof.

Lun-Teh Yuen, Orinda, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20080233031

BORON-CONTAINING MOLECULAR SIEVE CHA - A boron-containing molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure and comprising (1) silicon oxide and (2) boron oxide or a combination of boron oxide and aluminum oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide, gallium oxide and mixtures thereof; and wherein the mole ratio of silicon oxide to boron oxide in said boron-containing molecular sieve is between 15 and 125. Also, a boron-containing molecular sieve, having a CHA crystal structure containing oxides only of (1) silicon and (2) boron; and wherein the mole ratio of silicon oxide to boron oxide in said boron-containing molecular sieve is between 15 and 125.

09-25-2008

20080300425

SYNTHESIS OF AMINES USING BORON-CONTAINING MOLECULAR SIEVE CHA - A process for producing methylamine or dimethylamine comprising reacting methanol, dimethyl ether or a mixture thereof, and ammonia in the gaseous phase in the presence of a catalyst comprising a boron-containing molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure; and comprising (1) silicon oxide and (2) boron oxide or a combination of boron oxide and aluminum oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide, gallium oxide and mixtures thereof; and wherein the mole ratio of silicon oxide to boron oxide in said boron-containing molecular sieve is between 15, and 125. Also a method for producing methylamine or dimethylamine comprising selecting the boron-containing molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure and the desired mole ratio of silicon oxide to boron oxide and reacting methanol, dimethyl ether or a mixture thereof and ammonia in the presence of the catalyst.

12-04-2008

20090131730

OXYGENATE CONVERSION USING BORON-CONTAINING MOLECULAR SIEVE CHA - A process for the production of light olefins from a feedstock comprising an oxygenate or mixture of oxygenates, the process comprising reacting the feedstock at effective conditions over a catalyst comprising boron-containing molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure and comprising (1) silicon oxide and (2) boron oxide or a combination of boron oxide and aluminum oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide, gallium oxide and mixtures thereof; and wherein the mole ratio of silicon oxide to boron oxide in said boron-containing molecular sieve is between 15 and 125. A method for production of light olefins, comprising selecting the catalyst and reacting a feedstock comprising an oxygenate or mixture of oxygenates, at effective conditions, over the catalyst. Also, a method for production of light olefins, comprising selecting the catalyst, selecting the oxygenate feedstock, and reacting the feedstock at effective conditions over the catalyst.

05-21-2009

20110311441

PREPARATION OF MOLECULAR SIEVE SSZ-13 - Disclosed is a method for preparing crystalline zeolite SSZ-13, said method comprising (a) preparing a reaction mixture comprising (1) at least one active source of an oxide of a tetravalent element or mixture of tetravalent elements, (2) optionally at least on active source of an oxide of a trivalent element or mixture of trivalent elements, (3) at least one active source of an alkali metal, (4) seed crystals of zeolite SSZ-13, (5) benzyl trimethylammonium cation in an amount sufficient to form crystals of zeolite SSZ-13, the benzyl trimethylammonium cation being used in the absence of a 1-adamantammonium cation, and (6) an amount of water that is not substantially in excess of the amount required to cause and maintain crystallization of the small pore zeolite; and (b) heating said reaction mixture at crystallization conditions for sufficient time to form crystallized material containing crystals of SSZ-13.

12-22-2011

Patent applications by Lun-Teh Yuen, Orinda, CA US

Michael S. Yuen, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100050265

Method and Apparatus for Enhancing Security Between a Web Server and a PSTN-based Voice Portal - A security regimen is provided for implementing transaction security between a Web server and data and a voice portal system accessible through a telephony network on the user end and through an XML gateway on the data source end. The regimen includes one of a private connection, a virtual private network, or a secure socket layer, set-up between the Web server and the Voice Portal system through the XML gateway. Transactions carried on between the portal and the server enjoy the same security that is available between nodes on the data network. In one embodiment, the regimen further includes a voice translation system distributed at the outlet of the portal and at the telephone of the end user wherein the voice dialog is translated to an obscure language not that of the users language and then retranslated to the users language at the telephone of the user.

02-25-2010

20100057885

Method for Automated Harvesting of Data from A Web site using a Voice Portal System - A system is provided for developing and deploying a voice application using Web-based data as source data over a communications network to one or more recipients. The system has a voice application server capable of accessing a network server and Website hosted therein, a network communications server for routing the voice applications to their intended recipients, and a computer station running voice application software having control access to at least the voice application server, the computer station capable of accessing the network server and Website. An operator of the computer station creates and provides templates for the voice application server to use in data-to-voice rendering.

03-04-2010

20100114578

Method and Apparatus for Improving Voice recognition performance in a voice application distribution system - A vocabulary management system for constraining voice recognition processing associated with text-to-speech and speech-to-text rendering associated with use of a voice application in progress between a user accessing a data source through a voice portal has a vocabulary management server connected to a voice application server and to a telephony server, and an instance of vocabulary management software running on the management server for enabling vocabulary establishment and management for voice recognition software. The system is characterized in that an administrator accessing the vocabulary management server uses the software to create unique vocabulary sets that are specific to selected portions of vocabulary associated with target data sources the vocabulary sets differing in content according to administrator direction.

05-06-2010

20100318365

Method and Apparatus for Configuring Web-based data for Distribution to Users Accessing a Voice Portal System - In a system for developing and deploying a voice application using Web-based data as source data over a communications network to one or more recipients, a method for organizing, editing, and prioritizing the Web-based data before dialog creation is provided. The method includes harvesting the Web-based data source in the form of its original structure; generating an object tree representing the logical structure and content type of the harvested, Web-based data source; manipulating the object tree generated to a desired hierarchal structure and content; creating a voice application template in VXML and populating the template with the manipulated object tree; and creating a voice application capable of accessing the Web-based data source according to the constraints of the template.

12-16-2010

20110123006

Method and Apparatus for Development, Deployment, and Maintenance of a Voice Software Application for Distribution to One or More Consumers - A system for developing, deploying and maintaining a voice application over a communications network to one or more recipients has a voice application server connected to a data network for storing and serving voice applications, a network communications server connected to the data network and to the communications network for routing the voice applications to their intended recipients, a computer station connected to the data network having control access to at least the voice application server, and a software application running on the computer station for creating applications and managing their states. The system is characterized in that a developer operating the software application from the computer station creates voice applications through object modeling and linking, stores them for deployment in the application server, and manages deployment and state of deployed applications including scheduled deployment and repeat deployments in terms of intended recipients.

05-26-2011

20130013299

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPMENT, DEPLOYMENT, AND MAINTENANCE OF A VOICE SOFTWARE APPLICATION FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ONE OR MORE CONSUMERS - A system for developing, deploying and maintaining a voice application over a communications network to one or more recipients has a voice application server connected to a data network for storing and serving voice applications, a network communications server connected to the data network and to the communications network for routing the voice applications to their intended recipients, a computer station connected to the data network having control access to at least the voice application server, and a software application running on the computer station for creating applications and managing their states. The system is characterized in that a developer operating the software application from the computer station creates voice applications through object modeling and linking, stores them for deployment in the application server, and manages deployment and state of deployed applications including scheduled deployment and repeat deployments in terms of intended recipients.

01-10-2013

Patent applications by Michael S. Yuen, San Francisco, CA US

Peter Siltex Yuen, San Jose, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100307332

SUPERCHARGED ELECTROSTATIC AIR FILTRATION DEVICE - A synchronized supercharge electrostatic field UV germicidal air filtration device is a high efficiency absolute air cleaner. It incorporates a dual function ionization system, electrostatic field filtration system UV light germicidal function within one system. This invention allows the physical size of air cleaning device to be substantially reduced while the absolute filtration efficiency is highly improved. This device provides a filtered and sterilized air output quality down to submicron size with quantifiable results; while it can be physically fit into an office partition wall. Secondly, both high voltage power supporting ionization and high voltage power supporting the electrostatic energy field are provided by one high voltage transforming circuit making it the most cost effective air filtration system.

12-09-2010

20140273601

MICRO ETHERNET CONNECTOR - In an embodiment, a micro ethernet connector includes an outer housing that has a recessed front end and a back end. The micro ethernet connector further includes an inner housing that is disposed within the recessed front end of the outer housing. The inner housing has an exposed end. The exposed end includes a recessed channel. The volume of the recessed channel is substantially equal to the volume of a correspondingly shaped protruding printed circuit board of a male micro ethernet connector. A plurality of spring-biased connectors are disposed within the recessed channel of the inner housing.

09-18-2014

20150056867

MICRO ETHERNET CONNECTOR - In an embodiment, a micro ethernet connector includes an outer housing that has a recessed front end and a back end. The micro ethernet connector further includes an inner housing that is disposed within the recessed front end of the outer housing. The inner housing has an exposed end. The exposed end includes a recessed channel. The volume of the recessed channel is substantially equal to the volume of a correspondingly shaped protruding printed circuit board of a male micro ethernet connector. A plurality of spring-biased connectors are disposed within the recessed channel of the inner housing.

02-26-2015

Patent applications by Peter Siltex Yuen, San Jose, CA US

Phyllis Yuen, Fremont, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090216180

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CUTTING TISSUE - A catheter is provided, which includes a cutting element having one or more raised elements. The cutting element has a cup-shaped surface at the distal end that may be smooth and continuous except for the raised elements.

08-27-2009

20100312263

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CUTTING AND ABRADING TISSUE - The present invention provides an atherectomy catheter which has a cutting element that is able to cut both soft tissue and hard tissue, and methods of cutting material from a blood vessel lumen using a rotating cutting element. The cutting element has a sharp cutting edge that surrounds a cup-shaped surface and at least one surface of abrasive material. The cup-shaped surface directs the cut material into a tissue chamber. The cutting edge and the cup-shaped surface together are well suited to cut and remove relatively soft tissue from the blood vessel. The abrasive material surface in combination with the cutting element is well suited to abrade and remove hard material from the blood vessel.

12-09-2010

20120172655

IMPELLER HOUSING FOR PERCUTANEOUS HEART PUMP - Disclosed herein are heart pumps that include a catheter assembly and that can be applied percutaneously. Some embodiments include a locking device that prevents components of the catheter assembly from being separated when in use. The catheter assembly can include an expandable tip. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly includes a housing having a wall structure, a portion of which can have a bulbuous shape or can be deformable. In other embodiments, the housing can be configured to reduce fluttering or deflection of the housing and/or to maintain a gap between the housing and an impeller blade disposed therein.

07-05-2012

20120178986

PERCUTANEOUS HEART PUMP - Disclosed herein are heart pumps that can include a catheter body and an impeller coupled with a distal end of the catheter body. The impeller can include a tip that is resealable or that includes a resealable member. The heart pump can also include a diffuser disposed between the distal end of the catheter body and the impeller, wherein the diffuser includes a flow directing surface.

07-12-2012

20130303830

IMPELLER FOR CATHETER PUMP - An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.

11-14-2013

20130303969

SHEATH SYSTEM FOR CATHETER PUMP - A catheter pump assembly is provided that includes an elongate polymeric catheter body, a cannula, and a tubular interface. The elongate polymeric catheter body has a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula has an expandable portion disposed distally of the elongate polymeric catheter body. The cannula can also have another tubular portion that is proximal to the distal portion. The tubular interface has an outer surface configured to be joined to the tubular portion of the cannula and an inner surface. The inner surface is disposed over the distal end of the elongate polymeric catheter body. The tubular interface has a plurality of transverse channels extending outward from the inner surface of the tubular interface. An outer surface of the elongate polymeric catheter body projects into the transverse channels to mechanically integrate the elongate polymeric catheter body with the tubular interface.

11-14-2013

20150018858

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CUTTING TISSUE - A catheter is provided, which includes a cutting element having one or more raised elements. The cutting element has a cup-shaped surface at the distal end that may be smooth and continuous except for the raised elements.

01-15-2015

20150099922

IMPELLER FOR CATHETER PUMP - An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.

04-09-2015

Patent applications by Phyllis Yuen, Fremont, CA US

Randy Yuen, San Diego, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090177350

Systems, methods and devices for a telematics web services interface feature - A telematics system is disclosed that includes a web services interface in communication with a secondary software system, wherein the web services interface comprises at least one processor configured to retrieve, receive, analyze and/or transmit data in response to a request from the secondary software system. In addition, the telematics system includes a gateway system configured to transmit data through a network to an in-vehicle telematics device and receive data from the in-vehicle telematics device, wherein the data comprises diagnostic data and/or location-based data associated with a host vehicle. The telematics system also includes a database in communication with the gateway system and the web services interface, wherein the database is configured to receive and store data transmitted from the gateway system and/or the web services interface.

07-09-2009

Ricky W. Yuen, Saratoga, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100302028

POWER MANAGEMENT OF SENSORS WITHIN A MOBILE DEVICE - Apparatuses and methods are provided for managing power consumption of a plurality of sensors within a mobile device. A method may include receiving a request from a sensor client regarding a sensor, determining whether the sensor client requested registration/deregistration, controlling a power supply and an operational mode of the sensor, based upon the registration/deregistration request, for reducing power consumption of the sensor, determining whether the sensor client provided a start/stop request for data from the sensor, and controlling power to the sensor, a device/driver configuration, and an operational mode of the sensor, based upon the start/stop request for data, for reducing the power consumption of the sensor. An apparatus may include a processor, a power supply coupled to the processor, a sensor coupled to the power supply, and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory comprises instructions for causing the processor to execute the aforementioned method.

12-02-2010

Ricky Wai Kit Yuen, Saratoga, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140267431

INTELLIGENT DISPLAY IMAGE ORIENTATION BASED ON RELATIVE MOTION DETECTION - Techniques for display rotation are disclosed. In one aspect, raw angular motion sensor (AMS) data can be accessed. A motion state of the mobile device can be determined based at least in part on processing the raw AMS data. AMS data can be further processed to determine whether to perform a rotation of the display image based at least in part on applying at least one pre-defined criterion to the AMS data.

09-18-2014

Shelten Yuen, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140035761

Methods, Systems and Devices for Generating Real-Time Activity Data Updates to Display Devices - Methods, systems and devices are provided for displaying monitored activity data in substantial real-time on a screen of a computing device. One example method includes capturing motion data associated with activity of a user via an activity tracking device. The motion data is quantified into a plurality of metrics associated with the activity of the user. The method storing the motion data in storage of the activity tracking device. The method connects the activity tracking device with a computing device over a wireless data connection, and sending motion data to the computing device for display of a metric, of the plurality of metrics, on a graphical user interface of an activity application of the computing device. The sending of motion data to the computing device is configured to continue while additional motion data is captured and sent to the computing device. The metric displayed on the graphical user interface is shown to change in an increasing numerical or graphical form in substantial real-time.

02-06-2014

20140036643

Alarm Setting and Interfacing with Gesture Contact Interfacing Controls - A device configured for capture of activity data for a user includes a housing, a sensor, a motor, a memory, and a processor. The sensor is disposed in the housing to capture physical contact upon the housing. The motor causes vibration of the housing. The memory stores an alarm setting that defines a time of day for triggering an alarm on the device. The processor activates the alarm upon reaching the time of day defined by the alarm setting, with the alarm causing the motor to produce the vibration of the housing. The sensor, which is interfaced with the processor, is configured to detect a physical contact upon the housing. The processor is configured to deactivate the alarm if the physical contact qualifies as an input to deactivate the alarm. The deactivating of the alarm causes the vibration of the device to be suspended.

02-06-2014

20140135594

Methods, Systems and Devices for Measuring Fingertip Heart Rate - A system and method of tracking activity includes a motion sensor, a light source and a light detector. The light detector is configured to capture an amount of the light that is reflected back to the light detector, at least a first portion of the light reflected back to the light detector is reflected from a blood vessel disposed under a skin of a user when the user places the skin over the heart rate monitor location on the housing. A processor is in communication with the motion sensor and the light detector and can process the reflected light to identify heart beats of the user and produce an indication of a heart rate. The indication of the heart rate can be displayed on the display screen as an option, in addition to the metrics that quantify the motion data.

05-15-2014

20140172362

Methods, Systems and Devices for Generating Real-Time Activity Data Updates to Display Devices - Methods, systems and devices are provided for displaying monitored activity data in substantial real-time on a screen of a computing device. One example method includes capturing motion data associated with activity of a user via an activity tracking device. The motion data is quantified into a plurality of metrics associated with the activity of the user. The method includes connecting the activity tracking device with a computing device over a wireless data connection, and sending motion data from the activity tracking device to the computing device for display of one or more of the plurality of metrics on a graphical user interface of the computing device. At least one of the plurality of metrics displayed on the graphical user interface is shown to change in substantial real-time based on the motion data.

06-19-2014

20140176475

Methods, Systems and Devices for Physical Contact Activated Display and Navigation - Methods, systems and devices are provided for providing user interface navigation of screen display metrics of a device. In one example, a device is configured for capture of activity data for a user. The device includes a housing and a screen disposed on the housing to display a plurality of metrics which include metrics that characterize the activity captured over time. The device further includes a sensor disposed in the housing to capture physical contact upon the housing. A processor is included to process the physical contact to determine if the physical contact qualifies as an input. The processor enables the screen from an off state when the physical contact qualifies as the input. The screen is configured to display one or more of the plurality of metrics in accordance with a scroll order, and a first metric displayed in response to the physical contact that qualifies as the input.

06-26-2014

20140296658

Methods, Systems and Devices for Measuring Fingertip Heart Rate - A system and method of tracking activity includes a motion sensor, a light source and a light detector. The light detector is configured to capture an amount of the light that is reflected back to the light detector, at least a first portion of the light reflected back to the light detector is reflected from a blood vessel disposed under a skin of a user when the user places the skin over the heart rate monitor location on the housing. A processor is in communication with the motion sensor and the light detector and can process the reflected light to identify heart beats of the user and produce an indication of a heart rate. The indication of the heart rate can be displayed on the display screen as an option, in addition to the metrics that quantify the motion data.

10-02-2014

20140320284

Alarm Setting and Interfacing with Gesture Contact Interfacing Controls - A device configured for capture of activity data for a user includes a housing, a sensor, a motor, a memory, and a processor. The sensor is disposed in the housing to capture physical contact upon the housing. The motor causes vibration of the housing. The memory stores an alarm setting that defines a time of day for triggering an alarm on the device. The processor activates the alarm upon reaching the time of day defined by the alarm setting, with the alarm causing the motor to produce the vibration of the housing. The sensor, which is interfaced with the processor, is configured to detect a physical contact upon the housing. The processor is configured to deactivate the alarm if the physical contact qualifies as an input to deactivate the alarm. The deactivating of the alarm causes the vibration of the device to be suspended.

10-30-2014

20150102923

ALARM SETTING AND INTERFACING WITH GESTURE CONTACT INTERFACING CONTROLS - A device configured for capture of activity data for a user includes a housing, a sensor, a motor, a memory, and a processor. The sensor is disposed in the housing to track activity data of the user. The motor causes vibration of the housing. The memory stores an alarm setting that defines a time of day for triggering an alarm on the device. The processor activates the alarm upon reaching the time of day defined by the alarm setting, with the alarm causing the motor to produce the vibration of the housing. The sensor, which is interfaced with the processor, is configured to detect a current level of activity of the user. The processor is configured to automatically deactivate the alarm if the current level of activity qualifies for deactivating the alarm. The deactivating of the alarm causes the vibration of the device to be suspended.

04-16-2015

20150113417

Motion-Activated Display of Messages on an Activity Monitoring Device - Methods, systems and devices are provided for motion-activated display of messages on an activity monitoring device. In one embodiment, method for presenting a message on an activity monitoring device is provided, including the following method operations: storing a plurality of messages to the activity monitoring device; detecting a stationary state of the activity monitoring device; detecting a movement of the activity monitoring device from the stationary state; in response to detecting the movement from the stationary state, selecting one of a plurality of messages, and displaying the selected message on the activity monitoring device.

04-23-2015

20150173628

Methods, Systems and Devices for Measuring Fingertip Heart Rate - A system and method of tracking activity includes a motion sensor, a light source and a light detector. The light detector is configured to capture an amount of the light that is reflected back to the light detector, at least a first portion of the light reflected back to the light detector is reflected from a blood vessel disposed under a skin of a user when the user places the skin over the heart rate monitor location on the housing. A processor is in communication with the motion sensor and the light detector and can process the reflected light to identify heart beats of the user and produce an indication of a heart rate. The indication of the heart rate can be displayed on the display screen as an option, in addition to the metrics that quantify the motion data.

06-25-2015

Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Berekely, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140135612

Portable Monitoring Devices For Processing Applications and Processing Analysis of Physiological Conditions of a User associated with the Portable Monitoring Device - An activity monitoring device and associated methods for using and interfacing with the activity monitoring device are provided. In one example, the activity monitoring device includes a housing configured for attachment to a body part of a user. Also included ins a display screen attached to the housing and a sensor for capturing physiological conditions of the user. The sensor is disposed along a surface of the housing so that the sensor is proximate to the body part, the body part having at least some exposed skin. The activity monitoring device also includes memory for storing the captured physiological conditions, and a processor for examining the captured physiological conditions. At a particular time, the processor automatically selects an application to execute from a plurality of applications based on characteristics of the captured physiological conditions.

05-15-2014

Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Berklely, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20150173631

HEART RATE DATA COLLECTION - One innovative aspect is directed to heart rate data collection. In some implementations, a circuit includes a light detector for generating a first electrical signal based on received light. The circuit includes a switching circuit, having a first and a second configuration, configured to receive a first voltage signal based on the first electrical signal and to switch among the first and the second configurations. The circuit includes first and second sampling circuits for sampling a value of the first voltage signal when the switching circuit is in the first configuration and second configurations, respectively. The circuit includes an ambient light cancellation circuit for generating a current signal to counter a first component of the first electrical signal when the first switching circuit is in the first configuration.

06-25-2015

Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120083705

Activity Monitoring Systems and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, is an activity monitoring system comprising a fixture having size/shape adapted to couple to a location on the user's body and a particular signature; and a portable monitoring device adapted to detect the fixture's particular signature. The monitoring device includes a housing that is adapted to engage the fixture; activity sensors, disposed in the housing, to detect activity of the user and to generate data which is representative of the activity of the user; and processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to calculate an activity-related quantity of the user using the data which is representative of the activity of the user, wherein the processing circuitry: determines the monitoring device is engaging the fixture by detecting the fixture's particular signature, and, in response thereto, calculates the activity-related quantity using data from a set of the activity sensors.

04-05-2012

20120083714

Activity Monitoring Systems and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to an activity monitoring system comprising a portable monitoring device and a base device. In one embodiment, the portable monitoring device includes a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the body of the user, a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect motion of a user and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of motion of the user, processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to calculate a calorie burn of the user and/or number of steps taken by the user using the data which is representative of motion of the user. The portable monitoring device also includes a display to display data to the user, wherein the display includes a data transfer mode to optically transmit data which is representative of the calorie burn of the user and/or number of steps taken by the user. The base device includes a visual sensor to detect the data which is representative of the calorie burn of the user and/or number of steps taken by the user transmitted by the display.

04-05-2012

20120083715

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable monitoring device to calculate calorie burn of a user, comprising a motion sensor to detect motion of the user and, in response, to generate data which is representative of motion of the user, and an altitude sensor to detect a change in altitude of the user and, in response, to generate data which is representative of the change in altitude of the user. The portable monitoring device may include processing circuitry to: calculate data which is representative of a change in elevation of the user using (i) the data which is representative of motion of the user and (ii) the data which is representative of a change in altitude of the user, calculate first calorie burn using the data which is representative of motion of the user, and calculate second calorie burn by adjusting the first calorie burn based on data which is representative of a change in elevation of the user. The portable monitoring device may include a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the body of the user.

04-05-2012

20120083716

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable monitoring device to calculate a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by a user, the portable monitoring device comprising (i) a motion sensor to detect motion of the user and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of motion of the user, (ii) an altitude sensor to detect a change in altitude of the user and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of the change in altitude of the user, and (iii) processing circuitry, coupled to the motion sensor and the altitude sensor, to calculate a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the data which is representative of motion of the user and the data which is representative of a change in altitude of the user. The portable monitoring device may include a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the body of the user.

04-05-2012

20120084053

PORTABLE MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable monitoring device comprising (i) a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user, (ii) a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect motion of the user and, in response thereto, to generate motion data, (iii) an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to sample an altitude of the user in response to a sample signal, wherein, in response to sampling the altitude of the user, the altitude sensor generates change in altitude data, and (iv) processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to: generate the sample signal using the motion data, and calculate a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the motion data and the change in altitude data.

04-05-2012

20120084054

PORTABLE MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable monitoring device comprises (i) a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user, (ii) a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect motion of a user and, in response thereto, to generate motion data, (iii) an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect a change in altitude of the user and, in response thereto, to generate change in altitude data, and (iv) processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to: (a) calculate a change in elevation of the user using the motion data and the change in altitude data, and (b) a state of an avatar (which is a graphical representation of the user) using the motion data and/or the change in altitude data, and (vi) a display to output state of avatar data.

04-05-2012

20120226471

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - A portable monitoring device to calculate a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user, in one aspect, comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the body of the user, a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to sample motion of the user in response to a motion sample signal and generate data which is representative thereof; an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to sample an altitude of the user in response to an altitude sample signal and generate data which is representative thereof; and processing circuitry, disposed in the housing to: (i) generate the altitude sample signal using the data which is representative of motion of the user, and (ii) determine a change in altitude of the user using the data which is representative of a change in altitude of the user.

09-06-2012

20120226472

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - An activity monitoring system, in one aspect, comprises a portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body; a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect motion of a user and to generate data representative thereof; an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect a change in altitude of the user and to generate data which is representative thereof; and processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to calculate a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the motion data and change in altitude data. The system also includes a display to output data of a badge and/or metric wherein such badge and/or metric describes the number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user.

09-06-2012

20130073254

PORTABLE MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable activity monitoring device to calculate a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by a user, the monitoring device comprising (i) a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the body of the user, (ii) an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect a change in altitude of the user and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of the change in altitude of the user, and (iii) processing circuitry, disposed in the housing and coupled to the motion sensor and the altitude sensor, to calculate a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the data which is representative of a change in altitude of the user.

03-21-2013

20130073255

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable activity monitoring device adapted to couple to a body of a user, comprising a housing having a physical size/shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, an altitude sensor to detect a change in altitude of the user and to generate data which is representative of the change in altitude of the user, and processing circuitry to calculate: (i) a number or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the data which is representative of a change in altitude of the user, and (ii) a state of an avatar using the data which is representative of the number or flights of stairs traversed by the user. The device also includes a display to output data which is representative of the state of the avatar.

03-21-2013

20130080113

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable activity monitoring device having a physical size/shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a plurality of sensors including: (i) an altitude sensor to detect a change in altitude and to generate data which is representative of the change in altitude, and (ii) a first motion sensor to detect motion and to generate data which is representative of motion. A user interface having a display. Processing circuitry detects a user input using data from one or more of the plurality of sensors, and calculates data which is representative of a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the data which is representative of the change in altitude.

03-28-2013

20130096843

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - A portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a motion sensor to detect user motion and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of motion of the user, an altitude sensor to detect a change in user altitude and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of the change in altitude of the user, processing circuitry to calculate activity metrics of the user, wherein the processing circuitry: (i) calculates a motion metric using the motion data, (ii) calculates an altitude metric using the altitude data, and (iii) calculates at least one sleep metric of the user. In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry may automatically determine a sleep mode of the user using the motion data and calculate at least one user sleep metric.

04-18-2013

20130151196

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - A portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a plurality of sensors, disposed in the housing, to generate sensor data which is representative of activity of the user, processing circuitry, disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of sensors, to calculate the one or more activity metrics of the user using the sensor data, wherein the processing circuitry calculates a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the sensor data.

06-13-2013

20130158369

Activity Monitoring Systems and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, is an activity monitoring system comprising a fixture having size/shape adapted to couple to a location on the user's body and a particular signature; and a portable monitoring device adapted to detect the fixture's particular signature. The monitoring device includes a housing that is adapted to engage the fixture; an activity sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect activity of the user and to generate data which is representative of the activity of the user; and processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to calculate an activity-related quantity of the user, wherein the processing circuitry determines the monitoring device is engaging the fixture by detecting the fixture's particular signature and calculates the activity-related quantity.

06-20-2013

20130268236

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to an activity monitoring system including a portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of the user's motion, and an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of the change in the user's altitude. The system further includes a display to output data which is representative of a badge, wherein the badge is representative of an achievement computed using motion and/or altitude sensor data. The monitoring device may also include a physiological sensor to generate data which is representative of a user's physiological condition. Here, the display outputs data which is representative of a badge wherein the badge is representative of a physiological achievement.

10-10-2013

20130289889

Biometric Monitoring Device having a Body Weight Sensor, and Methods of Operating Same - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

10-31-2013

20130297220

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - A portable activity monitoring device adapted to couple to a body of a user, the portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, (i) one or more motion sensors, disposed in the housing, to detect motion, and (ii) a user interface, disposed in the housing. The monitoring device further includes processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to: (i) detect one or more user inputs to the user interface using data from at least one of the one or more motion sensors, (ii) calculate data which is representative of a progress toward a user activity goal using data from at least one the motion sensors, and (iii) generate display data which is representative of the progress toward the user activity goal in response to detecting the user input to the user interface.

11-07-2013

20130325394

Methods and Systems for Processing Social Interactive Data and Sharing of Tracked Activity Associated with Locations - A method includes determining a location of a first monitoring device used while performing an activity. The first monitoring device is worn by a first user. The method includes determining a location of a second monitoring device used while performing an activity. The second monitoring device is worn by a second user. The method further includes determining whether the locations of the first and second monitoring devices are within a range and whether the activities are similar. The method includes sending a prompt to the first monitoring device upon determining that the activities are similar and the locations are within the range. The prompt includes a request for permission from a first user account to allow a second user account to access information from the first user account regarding the activity performed using the first monitoring device.

12-05-2013

20130325396

Methods and Systems for Metrics Analysis and Interactive Rendering, Including Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes receiving location data of a monitoring device when carried by a user and receiving motion data of the monitoring device. The motion data is associated with a time of occurrence and the location data. The method includes processing the received motion data to identify a group of the motion data having a substantially common characteristic and processing the location data for the group of the motion data. The group of motion data by way of processing the location data provides an activity identifier. The motion data includes metric data that identifies characteristics of the motion data. The method includes transferring the activity identifier and the characteristics of the motion data to a screen of a device for display. The activity identifier being a graphical user interface that receives an input for rendering more or less of the characteristics of the motion data.

12-05-2013

20130325399

Calendar Integration Methods and Systems for Presentation of Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes receiving geo-location data collected over time period. The geo-location data is associated with a monitoring device. The method further includes receiving motion tracking data of the monitoring device. The motion tracking data is collected over time period. The method includes identifying one or more activities. The activities are identified based on inference rules that identify certain activities to have occurred when at least part of the motion tracking data is correlated to the received geo-location data. The method further includes defining a metric for one or more of the identified activities. The metric is associated to a calendar date. The method includes sending the metric to a calendar application with integration instructions. The integration instructions define the calendar date to which the metric will be added.

12-05-2013

20130325404

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERACTIVE GOAL SETTING AND RECOMMENDER USING EVENTS HAVING COMBINED ACTIVITY AND LOCATION INFORMATION - A method for generating recommendations for achieving goals is described. The method includes receiving a goal for a user account. The goal is associated with an activity that is trackable via a monitoring device. The method further includes receiving tracking data associated with the monitoring device. At least part of the tracking data is associated to the activity. The method includes receiving geo-location data associated with the monitoring device. The geo-location data is correlated to the tracking data. The method includes analyzing the received tracking data and geo-location data to characterize a current performance metric for the activity and generating a recommendation for the user account. The recommendation identifies the current performance metric and a suggested action and location for increasing the current performance metric to achieve the goal.

12-05-2013

20140012512

Biometric Monitoring Device having a Body Weight Sensor, and Methods of Operating Same - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

01-09-2014

20140018706

Biometric Monitoring Device having a Body Weight Sensor, and Methods of Operating Same - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, and communication circuitry. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to transmit the user weight data to data storage which is associated with user identification data (which identifies the user or the portable activity monitoring device), and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and user weight data.

01-16-2014

20140039839

Methods and Systems for Geo-Location Optimized Tracking and Updating for Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes obtaining a first geo-location and a second geo-location. The first and second geo-locations are associated with a monitoring device. The monitoring device is configured to be used by a user. The first geo-location is determined at a first time and the second geo-location is determined at a second time. The first time and the second time are associated with a rate of obtaining geo-location data. The method includes calculating a difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations and changing the rate of obtaining a third geo-location associated with the monitoring device based on the difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations.

02-06-2014

20140039840

Methods and Systems for Classification of Geographic Locations for Tracked Activity - A method includes receiving activity of a monitoring device that is configured to be worn by a user having a user account. The activity includes an amount of movement of the monitoring device and occurs for a period of time. The method further includes receiving geo-location data for the monitoring device and processing the activity data and geo-location data received for the period of time. The operation of processing is performed to segment the period of time into at least two events. The method includes assigning an identifier to each event. The identifier has a default description for the geo-location data. The default description is selected from a plurality of descriptions based on the activity data obtained by the movement of the monitoring device for the geo-location data.

02-06-2014

20140039841

Methods and Systems for Identification of Event Data Having Combined Activity and Location Information of Portable Monitoring Devices - Systems and methods for segmenting a period of time into identification of locations of a user who performs activities are described. One of the methods includes detecting activity of a monitoring device worn by the user. The activity includes an amount of movement of the monitoring device. The activity is performed for a period of time. The method further includes obtaining geo-location data for the monitoring device and storing, during the period of time, the detected activity and corresponding geo-location data. The method also includes analyzing the detected activity and the corresponding geo-location data to identify one or more events. Each event is associated with a group of activity data and one or more of the groups of activity data is associated with an identifier, which is obtained using the geo-location data.

02-06-2014

20140039842

Methods and Systems for Generation and Rendering Interactive Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A computer-implemented method is described. The computer-implemented method is used for populating data of a graphical user interface (GUI). The computer-implemented method includes generating one or more graphical elements of one or more activities captured by a monitoring device. The monitoring device is usable by a user during the capturing. The method further includes generating a timeline including a time period over which the activities are performed. The timeline includes a chronological order of time within the time period. The method further includes generating an activity symbol for one or more of the activities performed during the time period. The activity symbol has an image that is graphically overlaid on the graphical elements of the activities.

02-06-2014

20140052280

Methods and Systems for Interactive Goal Setting and Recommender Using Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method for generating recommendations for achieving goals is described. The method includes receiving a goal for a user account. The goal is associated with an activity that is trackable via a monitoring device. The method further includes receiving tracking data associated with the monitoring device. At least part of the tracking data is associated to the activity. The method includes receiving geo-location data associated with the monitoring device. The geo-location data is correlated to the tracking data. The method includes analyzing the received tracking data and geo-location data to characterize a current performance metric for the activity and generating a recommendation for the user account. The recommendation identifies the current performance metric and a suggested action and location for increasing the current performance metric to achieve the goal.

02-20-2014

20140052790

Methods and Systems for Processing Social Interactive Data and Sharing of Tracked Activity Associated with Locations - A method includes determining a location of a first monitoring device used while performing an activity. The first monitoring device is worn by a first user. The method includes determining a location of a second monitoring device used while performing an activity. The second monitoring device is worn by a second user. The method further includes determining whether the locations of the first and second monitoring devices are within a range and whether the activities are similar. The method includes sending a prompt to the first monitoring device upon determining that the activities are similar and the locations are within the range. The prompt includes a request for permission from a first user account to allow a second user account to access information from the first user account regarding the activity performed using the first monitoring device.

02-20-2014

20140067278

Portable Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a plurality of sensors (for example, motion sensor and altitude sensor) disposed in the housing. The monitoring device may further include processing circuitry, disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of sensor, to calculate the activity points corresponding to the physical activity of the user using the sensor data, wherein the activity points correlate to an amount and intensity of the physical activity of the user, and output the data which is representative of the activity points. The monitoring device may also include a display, coupled to the processing circuitry, may output the data which is representative of the activity points to the user.

03-06-2014

20140107493

Portable Biometric Monitoring Devices and Methods of Operating Same - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to portable biometric monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, at least one band to secure the monitoring device to the user, a physiological sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of a physiological condition of the user data. The physiological sensor may include a light source to generate and output light having at least a first wavelength, and a photodetector to detect scattered light (e.g., from the user). A light pipe is disposed in the housing and optically coupled to the light source directs/transmits light therefrom along a predetermined path to an outer surface of the housing. Processing circuitry calculates a heart rate of the user using data which is representative of the scattered light.

04-17-2014

20140125618

SELECTION OF DISPLAY POWER MODE BASED ON SENSOR DATA - Methods, devices, and computer programs are presented for managing power consumption in an activity monitoring device associated with a user. One method includes an operation for analyzing sensor data acquired by sensors of an activity monitoring device to be worn on a wrist of a user, the sensor data being associated with motion of the user. In addition, the method includes an operation for determining the motion profile of the activity monitoring device based on the sensor data. The method further includes an operation for identifying display settings for a display of the activity monitoring device based on the motion profile. The display settings are associated with a rate of power consumption by the display. The display settings are applied to the display of the activity monitoring device when the identified display settings are different than the current display settings.

05-08-2014

20140125619

POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT OF DISPLAY IN PORTABLE DEVICE BASED ON PREDICTION OF USER INPUT - Methods, devices, and computer programs are presented for managing power consumption of a display. One method includes an operation for setting a first display setting for a touchscreen of an activity monitoring device associated with a user. The first display setting has having a first rate of power consumption by the display and a first touchscreen scan rate for detecting touch on the touchscreen. Further, the method includes operations for receiving data at the activity monitoring device, the data being indicative of an external event, and for applying a second display setting for the touchscreen based on a predefined expected user interaction. The second display setting has a second rate of power consumption and a second touchscreen scan rate.

05-08-2014

20140125620

TOUCHSCREEN WITH DYNAMICALLY-DEFINED AREAS HAVING DIFFERENT SCANNING MODES - Methods, devices, and computer programs are presented for managing power consumption by a display. One method includes an operation for identifying one or more possible inputs for an activity monitoring device based on a state of the activity monitoring device. The one or more possible inputs are defined to be entered via a touchscreen of the activity monitoring device. Further, the method identifies a first region and a second region in the touchscreen, the first region being associated with the one or more possible inputs, and the second region being defined outside the first region. Further, the method includes operations for establishing in the first region a first touchscreen setting for scanning the first region for touch, and for establishing in the second region a second touchscreen setting for scanning the second region, where the first touchscreen setting defines higher processing than the second touchscreen setting.

05-08-2014

20140135631

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE WITH HEART RATE MEASUREMENT ACTIVATED BY A SINGLE USER-GESTURE - A biometric monitoring device measuring various biometric information is provided that allows the person to take and/or display a heart rate reading by a simple user interaction with the device, e.g., by simply touching a heart rate sensor surface area or moving the device in a defined motion pattern. Some embodiments of this disclosure provide biometric monitoring devices that allow a person to get a quick heart rate reading without removing the device or interrupting their other activities. Some embodiments provide heart rate monitoring with other desirable features such as feedback on data acquisition status.

05-15-2014

20140142403

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE WITH HEART RATE MEASUREMENT ACTIVATED BY A SINGLE USER-GESTURE - A biometric monitoring device measuring various biometric information is provided that allows the person to take and/or display a heart rate reading by a simple user interaction with the device, e.g., by simply touching a heart rate sensor surface area or moving the device in a defined motion pattern. Some embodiments of this disclosure provide biometric monitoring devices that allow a person to get a quick heart rate reading without removing the device or interrupting their other activities. Some embodiments provide heart rate monitoring with other desirable features such as feedback on data acquisition status.

05-22-2014

20140156196

MOLDED WRISTBAND CASE - A biometric monitoring device and multiple carrying cases for same are provided. In some implementations, the case may be made from a flexible viscoelastic material and the biometric monitoring device may be slipped into a receptacle in the case through an opening in the case; the opening may become distended during the insertion of the biometric monitoring device. In some implementations, the case may feature a display window that, in combination with materials of the biometric monitoring device, may mask a display of the biometric monitoring device from view when the display is off and may allow the display to be seen when the display is displaying content.

06-05-2014

20140156228

METHOD OF DATA SYNTHESIS - Methods, devices, and computer programs are presented for consolidating overlapping data provided by multiple sources. One method includes operations for associating a plurality of devices to a user, each device operable to capture data associated with the user, and for receiving, from the plurality of devices, captured data about a first activity associated with a first period of time. Additionally, the method includes operations for detecting that the received captured data from two or more devices provide overlapping information about the first activity, and for evaluating one or more rules for consolidating the overlapping information to produce consolidated data. The consolidated data provides a unified view of the first activity during the first period of time. The consolidated data is stored in permanent storage and made available for presentation to the user.

06-05-2014

20140163927

METHOD OF DATA SYNTHESIS - Methods, devices, and computer programs are presented for consolidating overlapping data provided by multiple sources. One method includes operations for associating a plurality of devices to a user, each device operable to capture data associated with the user, and for receiving, from the plurality of devices, captured data about a first activity associated with a first period of time. Additionally, the method includes operations for detecting that the received captured data from two or more devices provide overlapping information about the first activity, and for evaluating one or more rules for consolidating the overlapping information to produce consolidated data. The consolidated data provides a unified view of the first activity during the first period of time. The consolidated data is stored in permanent storage and made available for presentation to the user.

06-12-2014

20140164320

Methods and Systems for Classification of Geographic Locations for Tracked Activity - A method includes receiving activity of a monitoring device that is configured to be worn by a user having a user account. The activity includes an amount of movement of the monitoring device and occurs for a period of time. The method further includes receiving geo-location data for the monitoring device and processing the activity data and geo-location data received for the period of time. The operation of processing is performed to segment the period of time into at least two events. The method includes assigning an identifier to each event. The identifier has a default description for the geo-location data. The default description is selected from a plurality of descriptions based on the activity data obtained by the movement of the monitoring device for the geo-location data.

06-12-2014

20140164611

TRACKING USER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH MULTIPLE DEVICES - Methods, devices, and computer programs are presented for creating a unified data stream from multiple data streams acquired from multiple devices. One method includes an operation for receiving activity data streams from the devices, each activity data stream being associated with physical activity data of a user. Further, the method includes an operation for assembling the unified activity data stream for a period of time. The unified activity data stream includes data segments from the data streams of at least two devices, and the data segments are organized time-wise over the period of time.

06-12-2014

20140174958

INTERCHANGEABLE CASES FOR BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES - A biometric monitoring device and multiple carrying cases for same are provided. In some implementations, the case may be made from a flexible viscoelastic material and the biometric monitoring device may be slipped into a receptacle in the case through an opening in the case; the opening may become distended during the insertion of the biometric monitoring device. In some implementations, the case may feature a display window that, in combination with materials of the biometric monitoring device, may mask a display of the biometric monitoring device from view when the display is off and may allow the display to be seen when the display is displaying content.

06-26-2014

20140176335

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE WITH CONTEXTUALLY- OR ENVIRONMENTALLY-DEPENDENT DISPLAY - A biometric monitoring device with a display is provided. The display may, in response to receiving page advance requests from a user, advance through a plurality of different data display pages, at least some of which show aspects of biometric data recorded by the device. The biometric monitoring device may also, based on the biometric data, modify the sequential display order of the data display pages. In some implementations, a biometric monitoring device integrated into a wristband may be configured to turn a display of the biometric monitoring device on and display the time in response to biometric sensors of the biometric monitoring device detecting motion of the wearer's forearm consistent with moving the forearm into a watch-viewing position.

06-26-2014

20140176346

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE WITH CONTEXTUALLY- OR ENVIRONMENTALLY-DEPENDENT DISPLAY - A biometric monitoring device with a display is provided. The display may, in response to receiving page advance requests from a user, advance through a plurality of different data display pages, at least some of which show aspects of biometric data recorded by the device. The biometric monitoring device may also, based on the biometric data, modify the sequential display order of the data display pages. In some implementations, a biometric monitoring device integrated into a wristband may be configured to turn a display of the biometric monitoring device on and display the time in response to biometric sensors of the biometric monitoring device detecting motion of the wearer's forearm consistent with moving the forearm into a watch-viewing position.

06-26-2014

20140176422

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE WITH WRIST-MOTION TRIGGERED DISPLAY - A biometric monitoring device with a display is provided. The display may, in response to receiving page advance requests from a user, advance through a plurality of different data display pages, at least some of which show aspects of biometric data recorded by the device. The biometric monitoring device may also, based on the biometric data, modify the sequential display order of the data display pages. In some implementations, a biometric monitoring device integrated into a wristband may be configured to turn a display of the biometric monitoring device on and display the time in response to biometric sensors of the biometric monitoring device detecting motion of the wearer's forearm consistent with moving the forearm into a watch-viewing position.

06-26-2014

20140180019

WEARABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES, INTERCHANGEABLE ACCESSORIES AND INTEGRATED FASTENINGS TO PERMIT WEAR - A biometric monitoring device and multiple carrying cases for same are provided. In some implementations, the case may be made from a flexible viscoelastic material and the biometric monitoring device may be slipped into a receptacle in the case through an opening in the case; the opening may become distended during the insertion of the biometric monitoring device. In some implementations, the case may feature a display window that, in combination with materials of the biometric monitoring device, may mask a display of the biometric monitoring device from view when the display is off and may allow the display to be seen when the display is displaying content.

06-26-2014

20140180595

DEVICE STATE DEPENDENT USER INTERFACE MANAGEMENT - A biometric monitoring device with a display is provided. The display may, in response to receiving page advance requests from a user, advance through a plurality of different data display pages, at least some of which show aspects of biometric data recorded by the device. The biometric monitoring device may also, based on the biometric data, modify the sequential display order of the data display pages. In some implementations, a biometric monitoring device integrated into a wristband may be configured to turn a display of the biometric monitoring device on and display the time in response to biometric sensors of the biometric monitoring device detecting motion of the wearer's forearm consistent with moving the forearm into a watch-viewing position.

06-26-2014

20140182952

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE HAVING A BODY WEIGHT SENSOR, AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

07-03-2014

20140191866

Methods and Systems for Metrics Analysis and Interactive Rendering, Including Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes receiving location data of a monitoring device when carried by a user and receiving motion data of the monitoring device. The motion data is associated with a time of occurrence and the location data. The method includes processing the received motion data to identify a group of the motion data having a substantially common characteristic and processing the location data for the group of the motion data. The group of motion data by way of processing the location data provides an activity identifier. The motion data includes metric data that identifies characteristics of the motion data. The method includes transferring the activity identifier and the characteristics of the motion data to a screen of a device for display. The activity identifier being a graphical user interface that receives an input for rendering more or less of the characteristics of the motion data.

07-10-2014

20140191867

Methods and Systems for Metrics Analysis and Interactive Rendering, Including Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes receiving location data of a monitoring device when carried by a user and receiving motion data of the monitoring device. The motion data is associated with a time of occurrence and the location data. The method includes processing the received motion data to identify a group of the motion data having a substantially common characteristic and processing the location data for the group of the motion data. The group of motion data by way of processing the location data provides an activity identifier. The motion data includes metric data that identifies characteristics of the motion data. The method includes transferring the activity identifier and the characteristics of the motion data to a screen of a device for display. The activity identifier being a graphical user interface that receives an input for rendering more or less of the characteristics of the motion data.

07-10-2014

20140197963

PORTABLE MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME - In one aspect of the disclosed implementations, a device includes one or more motion sensors for sensing motion of the device and providing activity data indicative of the sensed motion. The device also includes one or more processors for monitoring the activity data, and receiving or generating annotation data for annotating the activity data with one or more markers or indicators to define one or more characteristics of an activity session. The device also includes one or more feedback devices for providing feedback, a notice, or an indication to a user based on the monitoring. The device further includes a portable housing that encloses at least portions of the motion sensors, the processors and the feedback devices.

07-17-2014

20140197965

PORTABLE MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME - In one aspect of the disclosed implementations, a device includes one or more motion sensors for sensing motion of the device and providing activity data indicative of the sensed motion. The device also includes one or more processors for monitoring the activity data, and receiving or generating annotation data for annotating the activity data with one or more markers or indicators to define one or more characteristics of an activity session. The device also includes one or more feedback devices for providing feedback, a notice, or an indication to a user based on the monitoring. The device further includes a portable housing that encloses at least portions of the motion sensors, the processors and the feedback devices.

07-17-2014

20140206954

Portable Monitoring Devices for Processing Applications and Processing Analysis of Physiological Conditions of a User Associated With the Portable Monitoring Device - An activity monitoring device and associated methods for using and interfacing with the activity monitoring device are provided. In one example, the activity monitoring device includes a housing configured for attachment to a body part of a user. Also included ins a display screen attached to the housing and a sensor for capturing physiological conditions of the user. The sensor is disposed along a surface of the housing so that the sensor is proximate to the body part, the body part having at least some exposed skin. The activity monitoring device also includes memory for storing the captured physiological conditions, and a processor for examining the captured physiological conditions. At a particular time, the processor automatically selects an application to execute from a plurality of applications based on characteristics of the captured physiological conditions.

07-24-2014

20140207408

Methods and Systems for Geo-Location Optimized Tracking and Updating for Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes obtaining a first geo-location and a second geo-location. The first and second geo-locations are associated with a monitoring device. The monitoring device is configured to be used by a user. The first geo-location is determined at a first time and the second geo-location is determined at a second time. The first time and the second time are associated with a rate of obtaining geo-location data. The method includes calculating a difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations and changing the rate of obtaining a third geo-location associated with the monitoring device based on the difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations.

07-24-2014

20140218369

Methods and Systems for Generation and Rendering Interactive Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A computer-implemented method is described. The computer-implemented method is used for populating data of a graphical user interface (GUI). The computer-implemented method includes generating one or more graphical elements of one or more activities captured by a monitoring device. The monitoring device is usable by a user during the capturing. The method further includes generating a timeline including a time period over which the activities are performed. The timeline includes a chronological order of time within the time period. The method further includes generating an activity symbol for one or more of the activities performed during the time period. The activity symbol has an image that is graphically overlaid on the graphical elements of the activities.

08-07-2014

20140235275

Calendar Integration Methods and Systems for Presentation of Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes receiving geo-location data collected over time period. The geo-location data is associated with a monitoring device. The method further includes receiving motion tracking data of the monitoring device. The motion tracking data is collected over time period. The method includes identifying one or more activities. The activities are identified based on inference rules that identify certain activities to have occurred when at least part of the motion tracking data is correlated to the received geo-location data. The method further includes defining a metric for one or more of the identified activities. The metric is associated to a calendar date. The method includes sending the metric to a calendar application with integration instructions. The integration instructions define the calendar date to which the metric will be added.

08-21-2014

20140245161

Motion-Activated Display of Messages on an Activity Monitoring Device - Methods, systems and devices are provided for motion-activated display of messages on an activity monitoring device. In one embodiment, method for presenting a message on an activity monitoring device is provided, including the following method operations: storing a plurality of messages to the device; detecting a stationary state of the device; detecting a movement of the device from the stationary state; in response to detecting the movement from the stationary state, selecting one of a plurality of messages, and displaying the selected message on the device.

08-28-2014

20140249774

Methods and Systems for Identification of Event Data Having Combined Activity and Location Information of Portable Monitoring Devices - Systems and methods for segmenting a period of time into identification of locations of a user who performs activities are described. One of the methods includes detecting activity of a monitoring device worn by the user. The activity includes an amount of movement of the monitoring device. The activity is performed for a period of time. The method further includes obtaining geo-location data for the monitoring device and storing, during the period of time, the detected activity and corresponding geo-location data. The method also includes analyzing the detected activity and the corresponding geo-location data to identify one or more events. Each event is associated with a group of activity data and one or more of the groups of activity data is associated with an identifier, which is obtained using the geo-location data.

09-04-2014

20140257053

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE HAVING A BODY WEIGHT SENSOR, AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

09-11-2014

20140257709

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE HAVING A BODY WEIGHT SENSOR, AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

09-11-2014

20140258220

Methods and Systems for Classification of Geographic Locations for Tracked Activity - A method includes receiving activity of a monitoring device that is configured to be worn by a user having a user account. The activity includes an amount of movement of the monitoring device and occurs for a period of time. The method further includes receiving geo-location data for the monitoring device and processing the activity data and geo-location data received for the period of time. The operation of processing is performed to segment the period of time into at least two events. The method includes assigning an identifier to each event. The identifier has a default description for the geo-location data. The default description is selected from a plurality of descriptions based on the activity data obtained by the movement of the monitoring device for the geo-location data.

09-11-2014

20140275850

GPS POWER CONSERVATION USING ENVIRONMENTAL DATA - Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques, systems, and apparatuses are discussed herein for providing power-conserving techniques and systems for efficiently utilizing a GPS receiver are described. The positional fix frequency of the GPS receiver may, according to some implementations, be modified or adjusted between various levels according to data from one or more non-GPS sensors. Such non-GPS sensors may include, for example, ambient light intensity or spectrum sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, heart rate sensors, galvanic skin response sensors, infrared sensors, etc.

09-18-2014

20140275852

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user.

09-18-2014

20140275854

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

09-18-2014

20140276119

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

09-18-2014

20140278139

MULTIMODE SENSOR DEVICES - The disclosure provides BMDs that have multiple device modes depending on operational conditions of the devices, e.g., motion intensity, device placement, and/or activity type. The device modes are associated with various data processing algorithms. In some embodiments, the BMD is implemented as a wrist-worn or arm-worn device. In some embodiments, methods for tracking physiological metrics using the BMDs are provided. In some embodiments, the process or the BMD applies a time domain analysis on data provided by a sensor of the BMD when the data has a high signal (e.g., high signal-to-noise ratio), and applies a frequency domain analysis on the data when the data has a low signal, which contributes to improved accuracy and speed of biometric data.

09-18-2014

20140278220

FITNESS MONITORING DEVICE WITH ALTIMETER - Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing altimeters in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve recalibrating a biometric monitoring device altimeter based on location data; using altimeter data as an aid to gesture recognition; and/or using altimeter data to manage an airplane mode of a biometric monitoring device.

09-18-2014

20140278229

USE OF GYROSCOPES IN PERSONAL FITNESS TRACKING DEVICES - Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing gyroscopes in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve obtaining swimming metrics regarding stroke cycle count, lap count, and stroke type. Such techniques may also, in some implementations, involve obtaining performance metrics for bicycling activities.

09-18-2014

20140288390

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user.

09-25-2014

20140288391

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for using response characteristics of the user's skin to adjust a gain and/or light emission intensity of the heart rate monitor.

09-25-2014

20140288392

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for using response characteristics of the user's skin to adjust a gain and/or light emission intensity of the heart rate monitor.

09-25-2014

20140288435

HEART RATE DATA COLLECTION - One innovative aspect is directed to heart rate data collection. In some implementations, a circuit includes a light detector for generating a first electrical signal based on received light. The circuit includes a switching circuit, having a first and a second configuration, configured to receive a first voltage signal based on the first electrical signal and to switch among the first and the second configurations. The circuit includes first and second sampling circuits for sampling a value of the first voltage signal when the switching circuit is in the first configuration and second configurations, respectively. The circuit includes an ambient light cancellation circuit for generating a current signal to counter a first component of the first electrical signal when the first switching circuit is in the first configuration.

09-25-2014

20140288436

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

09-25-2014

20140288438

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

09-25-2014

20140292564

PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES HAVING LOCATION SENSORS - Assisted-GPS for a portable biometric monitoring device is provided. The portable biometric monitoring device may obtain updated ephemeris data from an associated secondary device via a short-range, low-power communication protocol. The secondary device may be a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Various rules may control when the ephemeris data is updated. The ephemeris data may be used in the calculation of the global position of the portable biometric monitoring device. Additionally, the portable biometric monitoring device may communicate downloaded position fixing data to the associated secondary device. The associated secondary device may then calculate the global position from the position fixing data.

10-02-2014

20140292565

PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES HAVING LOCATION SENSORS - Assisted-GPS for a portable biometric monitoring device is provided. The portable biometric monitoring device may obtain updated ephemeris data from an associated secondary device via a short-range, low-power communication protocol. The secondary device may be a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Various rules may control when the ephemeris data is updated. The ephemeris data may be used in the calculation of the global position of the portable biometric monitoring device. Additionally, the portable biometric monitoring device may communicate downloaded position fixing data to the associated secondary device. The associated secondary device may then calculate the global position from the position fixing data.

10-02-2014

20140292566

PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES HAVING LOCATION SENSORS - Assisted-GPS for a portable biometric monitoring device is provided. The portable biometric monitoring device may obtain updated ephemeris data from an associated secondary device via a short-range, low-power communication protocol. The secondary device may be a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Various rules may control when the ephemeris data is updated. The ephemeris data may be used in the calculation of the global position of the portable biometric monitoring device. Additionally, the portable biometric monitoring device may communicate downloaded position fixing data to the associated secondary device. The associated secondary device may then calculate the global position from the position fixing data.

10-02-2014

20140293059

PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES HAVING LOCATION SENSORS - Assisted-GPS for a portable biometric monitoring device is provided. The portable biometric monitoring device may obtain updated ephemeris data from an associated secondary device via a short-range, low-power communication protocol. The secondary device may be a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Various rules may control when the ephemeris data is updated. The ephemeris data may be used in the calculation of the global position of the portable biometric monitoring device. Additionally, the portable biometric monitoring device may communicate downloaded position fixing data to the associated secondary device. The associated secondary device may then calculate the global position from the position fixing data.

10-02-2014

20140297217

FITNESS MONITORING DEVICE WITH ALTIMETER AND GESTURE RECOGNITION - Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing altimeters in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve recalibrating a biometric monitoring device altimeter based on location data; using altimeter data as an aid to gesture recognition; and/or using altimeter data to manage an airplane mode of a biometric monitoring device.

10-02-2014

20140297218

FITNESS MONITORING DEVICE WITH ALTIMETER AND AIRPLANE MODE - Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing altimeters in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve recalibrating a biometric monitoring device altimeter based on location data; using altimeter data as an aid to gesture recognition; and/or using altimeter data to manage an airplane mode of a biometric monitoring device.

10-02-2014

20140303523

MULTIMODE SENSOR DEVICES - The disclosure provides BMDs that have multiple device modes depending on operational conditions of the devices, e.g., motion intensity, device placement, and/or activity type, the device modes are associated with various data processing algorithms. In some embodiments, the BMD is implemented as a wrist-worn or arm-worn device. In some embodiments, methods for tracking physiological metrics using the BMDs are provided. In some embodiments, the process and the BMD applies a time domain analysis on data provided by a sensor of the BMD when the data has a high signal (e.g., high signal-to-noise ratio), and applies a frequency domain analysis on the data when the data has a low signal, which contributes to improved accuracy and speed of biometric data.

10-09-2014

20140305204

USE OF GYROSCOPES IN PERSONAL FITNESS TRACKING DEVICES AND BICYCLING ACTIVITIES - Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing gyroscopes in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve obtaining swimming metrics regarding stroke cycle count, lap count, and stroke type. Such techniques may also, in some implementations, involve obtaining performance metrics for bicycling activities.

10-16-2014

20140316305

GPS ACCURACY REFINEMENT USING EXTERNAL SENSORS - Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for enhancing GPS speed and distance measurements based on step counts measured by a biometric monitoring device are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve blending two independently-measured data streams of raw distance traveled—one based on inter-coordinate GPS coordinate distances and one based on step count and stride length—using a Kalman filter to provide an enhanced-accuracy measurement of distance or speed traveled. In some other or additional implementations, distances or speeds calculated based on inter-coordinate GPS coordinate distances may be smoothed with a smoothing constant that is proportional to the variance in measured step count.

10-23-2014

20140336980

Methods and Systems for Processing Social Interactive Data and Sharing of Tracked Activity Associated with Locations - A method includes determining a location of a first monitoring device used while performing an activity. The first monitoring device is worn by a first user. The method includes determining a location of a second monitoring device used while performing an activity. The second monitoring device is worn by a second user. The method further includes determining whether the locations of the first and second monitoring devices are within a range and whether the activities are similar. The method includes sending a prompt to the first monitoring device upon determining that the activities are similar and the locations are within the range. The prompt includes a request for permission from a first user account to allow a second user account to access information from the first user account regarding the activity performed using the first monitoring device.

11-13-2014

20140340221

Methods and Systems for Metrics Analysis and Interactive Rendering, Including Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes receiving location data of a monitoring device when carried by a user and receiving motion data of the monitoring device. The motion data is associated with a time of occurrence and the location data. The method includes processing the received motion data to identify a group of the motion data having a substantially common characteristic and processing the location data for the group of the motion data. The group of motion data by way of processing the location data provides an activity identifier. The motion data includes metric data that identifies characteristics of the motion data. The method includes transferring the activity identifier and the characteristics of the motion data to a screen of a device for display. The activity identifier being a graphical user interface that receives an input for rendering more or less of the characteristics of the motion data.

11-20-2014

20140343443

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE HAVING A BODY WEIGHT SENSOR, AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

11-20-2014

20140343867

PORTABLE MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a plurality of sensors (for example, motion sensor and altitude sensor) disposed in the housing. The monitoring device may further include processing circuitry, disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of sensor, to calculate the activity points corresponding to the physical activity of the user using the sensor data, wherein the activity points correlate to an amount and intensity of the physical activity of the user, and output the data which is representative of the activity points. The monitoring device may also include a display, coupled to the processing circuitry, may output the data which is representative of the activity points to the user.

11-20-2014

20140343892

Methods and Systems for Geo-Location Optimized Tracking and Updating for Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes obtaining a first geo-location and a second geo-location. The first and second geo-locations are associated with a monitoring device. The monitoring device is configured to be used by a user. The first geo-location is determined at a first time and the second geo-location is determined at a second time. The first time and the second time are associated with a rate of obtaining geo-location data. The method includes calculating a difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations and changing the rate of obtaining a third geo-location associated with the monitoring device based on the difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations.

11-20-2014

20140375452

Methods and Systems for Metrics Analysis and Interactive Rendering, Including Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method includes receiving location data of a monitoring device when carried by a user and receiving motion data of the monitoring device. The motion data is associated with a time of occurrence and the location data. The method includes processing the received motion data to identify a group of the motion data having a substantially common characteristic and processing the location data for the group of the motion data. The group of motion data by way of processing the location data provides an activity identifier. The motion data includes metric data that identifies characteristics of the motion data. The method includes transferring the activity identifier and the characteristics of the motion data to a screen of a device for display. The activity identifier being a graphical user interface that receives an input for rendering more or less of the characteristics of the motion data.

12-25-2014

20140377729

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE HAVING A BODY WEIGHT SENSOR, AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

12-25-2014

20140378786

MULTIMODE SENSOR DEVICES - The disclosure provides BMDs that have multiple device modes depending on operational conditions of the devices, e.g., motion intensity, device placement, and/or activity type. The device modes are associated with various data processing algorithms. In some embodiments, the BMD is implemented as a wrist-worn or arm-worn device. In some embodiments, methods for tracking physiological metrics using the BMDs are provided. In some embodiments, the process or the BMD determines that the user is engaged in a particular activity type by detecting a signature signal selectively associated with the particular activity type, and quantifies a physiological metric for the particular activity type.

12-25-2014

20140378787

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE WITH HEART RATE MEASUREMENT ACTIVATED BY A SINGLE USER-GESTURE - A biometric monitoring device having a heart rate sensor for measuring various biometric information is provided. In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device allows the person to take and/or display a heart rate reading by a simple user interaction with the device, e.g., by simply touching a heart rate sensor surface area, moving the device in a defined motion pattern, or clenching the fist. Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a biometric monitoring device that allows a person to get a quick heart rate reading without removing the device or interrupting their other activities. Some embodiments provide heart rate monitoring with other desirable features such as feedback on data acquisition status.

12-25-2014

20140378872

MULTIMODE SENSOR DEVICES - The disclosure provides BMDs that have multiple device modes depending on operational conditions of the devices, e.g., motion intensity, device placement, and/or activity type, the device modes are associated with various data processing algorithms. In some embodiments, the BMD is implemented as a wrist-worn or arm-worn device. In some embodiments, methods for tracking physiological metrics using the BMDs are provided. In some embodiments, the process and the BMD applies a time domain analysis on data provided by a sensor of the BMD when the data has a high signal (e.g., high signal-to-noise ratio), and applies a frequency domain analysis on the data when the data has a low signal, which contributes to improved accuracy and speed of biometric data.

12-25-2014

20140379275

BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE HAVING A BODY WEIGHT SENSOR, AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

12-25-2014

20150018991

FITNESS MONITORING DEVICE WITH USER ENGAGEMENT METRIC FUNCTIONALITY - Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided for determining a level of user engagement with a fitness monitoring device and, when a level of engagement metric for the fitness monitoring device for a person meets certain criteria, encouraging user engagement with the fitness monitoring device.

01-15-2015

20150025393

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user.

01-22-2015

20150025394

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for using response characteristics of the user's skin to adjust a gain and/or light emission intensity of the heart rate monitor.

01-22-2015

20150042471

PORTABLE MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME - In one aspect of the disclosed implementations, a device includes one or more motion sensors for sensing motion of the device and providing activity data indicative of the sensed motion. The device also includes one or more processors for monitoring the activity data, and receiving or generating annotation data for annotating the activity data with one or more markers or indicators to define one or more characteristics of an activity session. The device also includes one or more feedback devices for providing feedback, a notice, or an indication to a user based on the monitoring. The device further includes a portable housing that encloses at least portions of the motion sensors, the processors and the feedback devices.

02-12-2015

20150088457

Methods And Systems For Identification Of Event Data Having Combined Activity And Location Information Of Portable Monitoring Devices - Systems and methods for segmenting a period of time into identification of locations of a user who performs activities are described. One of the methods includes detecting activity of a monitoring device worn by the user. The activity includes an amount of movement of the monitoring device. The activity is performed for a period of time. The method further includes obtaining geo-location data for the monitoring device and storing, during the period of time, the detected activity and corresponding geo-location data. The method also includes analyzing the detected activity and the corresponding geo-location data to identify one or more events. Each event is associated with a group of activity data and one or more of the groups of activity data is associated with an identifier, which is obtained using the geo-location data.

03-26-2015

20150088464

Methods And Systems For Classification Of Geographic Locations For Tracked Activity - A method includes receiving activity of a monitoring device that is configured to be worn by a user having a user account. The activity includes an amount of movement of the monitoring device and occurs for a period of time. The method further includes receiving geo-location data for the monitoring device and processing the activity data and geo-location data received for the period of time. The operation of processing is performed to segment the period of time into at least two events. The method includes assigning an identifier to each event. The identifier has a default description for the geo-location data. The default description is selected from a plurality of descriptions based on the activity data obtained by the movement of the monitoring device for the geo-location data.

03-26-2015

20150100270

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GEO-LOCATION OPTIMIZED TRACKING AND UPDATING FOR EVENTS HAVING COMBINED ACTIVITY AND LOCATION INFORMATION - A method includes obtaining a first geo-location and a second geo-location. The first and second geo-locations are associated with a monitoring device. The monitoring device is configured to be used by a user. The first geo-location is determined at a first time and the second geo-location is determined at a second time. The first time and the second time are associated with a rate of obtaining geo-location data. The method includes calculating a difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations and changing the rate of obtaining a third geo-location associated with the monitoring device based on the difference in distance between the second and first geo-locations.

04-09-2015

20150122018

FITNESS MONITORING DEVICE WITH ALTIMETER AND GESTURE RECOGNITION - Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing altimeters in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve recalibrating a biometric monitoring device altimeter based on location data; using altimeter data as an aid to gesture recognition; and/or using altimeter data to manage an airplane mode of a biometric monitoring device.

05-07-2015

20150134268

PORTABLE MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a plurality of sensors (for example, motion sensor and altitude sensor) disposed in the housing. The monitoring device may further include processing circuitry, disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of sensor, to calculate the activity points corresponding to the physical activity of the user using the sensor data, wherein the activity points correlate to an amount and intensity of the physical activity of the user, and output the data which is representative of the activity points. The monitoring device may also include a display, coupled to the processing circuitry, may output the data which is representative of the activity points to the user.

05-14-2015

20150138014

PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES HAVING LOCATION SENSORS - Assisted-GPS for a portable biometric monitoring device is provided. The portable biometric monitoring device may obtain updated ephemeris data from an associated secondary device via a short-range, low-power communication protocol. The secondary device may be a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Various rules may control when the ephemeris data is updated. The ephemeris data may be used in the calculation of the global position of the portable biometric monitoring device. Additionally, the portable biometric monitoring device may communicate downloaded position fixing data to the associated secondary device. The associated secondary device may then calculate the global position from the position fixing data.

05-21-2015

20150153457

PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES HAVING LOCATION SENSORS - Assisted-GPS for a portable biometric monitoring device is provided. The portable biometric monitoring device may obtain updated ephemeris data from an associated secondary device via a short-range, low-power communication protocol. The secondary device may be a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Various rules may control when the ephemeris data is updated. The ephemeris data may be used in the calculation of the global position of the portable biometric monitoring device. Additionally, the portable biometric monitoring device may communicate downloaded position fixing data to the associated secondary device. The associated secondary device may then calculate the global position from the position fixing data.

06-04-2015

20150186613

PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES HAVING LOCATION SENSORS - Assisted-GPS for a portable biometric monitoring device is provided. The portable biometric monitoring device may obtain updated ephemeris data from an associated secondary device via a short-range, low-power communication protocol. The secondary device may be a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Various rules may control when the ephemeris data is updated. The ephemeris data may be used in the calculation of the global position of the portable biometric monitoring device. Additionally, the portable biometric monitoring device may communicate downloaded position fixing data to the associated secondary device. The associated secondary device may then calculate the global position from the position fixing data.

07-02-2015

20150196256

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.

07-16-2015

20150201853

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for using response characteristics of the user's skin to adjust a gain and/or light emission intensity of the heart rate monitor.

07-23-2015

20150201854

WEARABLE HEART RATE MONITOR - Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user.

07-23-2015

Patent applications by Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Berkeley, CA US

Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Berkleley, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140358012

HEART RATE DATA COLLECTION - One innovative aspect is directed to heart rate data collection. In some implementations, a circuit includes a light detector for generating a first electrical signal based on received light. The circuit includes a switching circuit, having a first and a second configuration, configured to receive a first voltage signal based on the first electrical signal and to switch among the first and the second configurations. The circuit includes first and second sampling circuits for sampling a value of the first voltage signal when the switching circuit is in the first configuration and second configurations, respectively. The circuit includes an ambient light cancellation circuit for generating a current signal to counter a first component of the first electrical signal when the first switching circuit is in the first configuration.

12-04-2014

Shelton Yuen, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20130190726

MOTION COMPENSATING CATHETER DEVICE - A catheter system allows for percutaneous intervention on the fast-moving structures inside the heart. The device consists of a steerable catheter sheath, an actuated, multi-degree of freedom moving catheter, and a catheter end effector, such as a fixation device. An actuator controls the motion of the catheter guide-wire in the catheter sheath to follow the motion of the target tissue. A control system controls the actuator and compensates for mechanical characteristics of the system including friction and backlash. A 3-D imaging system can be used to view the motion of the target tissue and the catheter end effector and produce 3-D imaging data. The 3-D imaging data can be used by the control system to track the target tissue and accurately position the end effector with respect to the moving target tissue allowing a clinician to repair the target tissue while it is moving. The system can be used to perform mitral valve annuloplasty wherein the actuated catheter compensates for the heart valve motion and an end effector fixation device is used to place fixation items, like anchors or staples, into the heart valve tissue to fix the annulus.

07-25-2013

Sherwood Yuen, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100075630

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING CREDIT FOR SUBSCRIBERS OF MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES - A technique for managing credit for subscribers of mobile communications services involves using a mobile credit intermediary to manage the credit in a way that makes the credit more fungible than traditional prepaid mobile subscription plans. In an embodiment, the mobile credit intermediary maintains a credit pool that reflects pooled credit of a group of multiple different mobile subscribers and then incrementally purchases, using the credit pool, prepaid mobile minutes in quantities that reflect anticipated consumption of mobile communications services by the group. The incremental purchases are made in increments that are smaller than the balance of the credit pool such that credit remains in individual credit accounts of the mobile subscribers. The credit that remains in the individual credit accounts can be used as a currency for other transactions, for example, for the purchase of goods and services from entities other than the mobile network operator.

Dimmable thermally controlled safety light emitting diode illumination device - A Light Emitting Diode safety illumination device with thermal control and dimming compatibility for use with incandescent light dimmers and light fixtures. Circuit method and structure combine to provide thermal curve management of temperature control parameters overriding and taking priority over power and dimming of the intensity of illumination.

11-24-2011

Stephen Yuen, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20080264904

METHODS TO ELIMINATE "M-SHAPE" ETCH RATE PROFILE IN INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA REACTOR - An inductively-coupled plasma processing chamber has a chamber with a ceiling. A first and second antenna are placed adjacent to the ceiling. The first antenna is concentric to the second antenna. A plasma source power supply is coupled to the first and second antenna. The plasma source power supply generates a first RF power to the first antenna, and a second RF power to the second antenna. A substrate support disposed within the chamber. The size of the first antenna and a distance between the substrate support are such that the etch rate of the substrate on the substrate support is substantially uniform.

10-30-2008

20090236315

SHIELDED LID HEATER ASSEMBLY - A shielded lid heater lid heater suitable for use with a plasma processing chamber, a plasma processing chamber having a shielded lid heater and a method for plasma processing are provided. The method and apparatus enhances positional control of plasma location within a plasma processing chamber, and may be utilized in etch, deposition, implant, and thermal processing systems, among other applications where the control of plasma location is desirable. In one embodiment, a shielded lid heater is provided that includes an aluminum base and RF shield sandwiching a heater element.

09-24-2009

20130189848

SHIELDED LID HEATER ASSEMBLY - A shielded lid heater lid heater suitable for use with a plasma processing chamber, a plasma processing chamber having a shielded lid heater and a method for plasma processing are provided. The method and apparatus enhances positional control of plasma location within a plasma processing chamber, and may be utilized in etch, deposition, implant, and thermal processing systems, among other applications where the control of plasma location is desirable. In one embodiment, a shielded lid heater is provided that includes an aluminum base and RF shield sandwiching a heater element.

07-25-2013

20150068682

POWER DEPOSITION CONTROL IN INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA (ICP) REACTORS - Embodiments of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactors are provided herein. In some embodiments, a dielectric window for an inductively coupled plasma reactor includes: a body including a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an edge, and a center, wherein the dielectric window has a dielectric coefficient that varies spatially. In some embodiments, an apparatus for processing a substrate includes: a process chamber having a processing volume disposed beneath a lid of the process chamber; and one or more inductive coils disposed above the lid to inductively couple RF energy into and to form a plasma in the processing volume above a substrate support disposed within the processing volume; wherein the lid is a dielectric window comprising a first side and an opposing second side that faces the processing volume, and wherein the lid has a dielectric coefficient that spatially varies to provide a varied power coupling of RF energy from the one or more inductive coils to the processing volume.

03-12-2015

Patent applications by Stephen Yuen, Santa Clara, CA US

Stephen Yuen, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110102440

INFINITE COMPLEXITY DEEP-FRAMEBUFFER RENDERING - A method of rendering a scene with a plurality of objects includes rendering an object in a scene, wherein a portion of the object spans at least two of a plurality of non-overlapping tiles that subdivide the scene, and wherein the portion of the object is rendered only once in rendering the scene. The process further includes storing the rendered output of the object into a deep-framebuffer. While rendering the object and storing the rendered output of the object, in response to the size of the deep-framebuffer reaching a predetermined threshold, the steps that are performed include dividing the deep-framebuffer's contents based on the plurality of non-overlapping tiles, storing the divided contents of the deep-framebuffer in a plurality of tile files, and clearing the contents of the deep-framebuffer.

05-05-2011

Sylvia W. Yuen, San Mateo, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100311175

MASS TAGS FOR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSES - This invention pertains to methods, mixtures, kits and/or compositions for the determination of analytes by mass analysis using unique labeling reagents or sets of unique labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can be isomeric or isobaric and can be used to produce mixtures suitable for multiplex analysis of the labeled analytes.

12-09-2010

Patent applications by Sylvia W. Yuen, San Mateo, CA US

Thomas C.k. Yuen, Newport Beach, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090094519

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED STREAMING AUDIO - A system and method for enhancement and management of streaming audio is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system provides a client-side decoder that is compatible with numerous audio formats, so that a user can enjoy relatively high-quality audio from various sources, even from sources that do not provide multi-channel or high-quality audio data. The system and method also include a management system for managing and controlling the use of licensed signal processing software to further enhance an audio stream. In one embodiment, the management system is used to manage a signal processing module that provides psychoacoustic audio processing to create a wider soundstage, an acoustic correction process to increase the perceived height and clarity of the audio image, and bass enhancement processing to create the perception of low bass from the small speakers or headphones typically used with multi-media systems and portable audio players.

04-09-2009

20110274279

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED STREAMING AUDIO - A system and method for enhancement and management of streaming audio is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system provides a client-side decoder that is compatible with numerous audio formats, so that a user can enjoy relatively high-quality audio from various sources, even from sources that do not provide multi-channel or high-quality audio data. The system and method also include a management system for managing and controlling the use of licensed signal processing software to further enhance an audio stream. In one embodiment, the management system is used to manage a signal processing module that provides psychoacoustic audio processing to create a wider soundstage, an acoustic correction process to increase the perceived height and clarity of the audio image, and bass enhancement processing to create the perception of low bass from the small speakers or headphones typically used with multi-media systems and portable audio players.

11-10-2011

20110286602

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED STREAMING AUDIO - A system and method for enhancement and management of streaming audio is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system provides a client-side decoder that is compatible with numerous audio formats, so that a user can enjoy relatively high-quality audio from various sources, even from sources that do not provide multi-channel or high-quality audio data. The system and method also include a management system for managing and controlling the use of licensed signal processing software to further enhance an audio stream. In one embodiment, the management system is used to manage a signal processing module that provides psychoacoustic audio processing to create a wider soundstage, an acoustic correction process to increase the perceived height and clarity of the audio image, and bass enhancement processing to create the perception of low bass from the small speakers or headphones typically used with multi-media systems and portable audio players.

11-24-2011

20120170759

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED STREAMING AUDIO - A system and method for enhancement and management of streaming audio is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system provides a client-side decoder that is compatible with numerous audio formats, so that a user can enjoy relatively high-quality audio from various sources, even from sources that do not provide multi-channel or high-quality audio data. The system and method also include a management system for managing and controlling the use of licensed signal processing software to further enhance an audio stream. In one embodiment, the management system is used to manage a signal processing module that provides psychoacoustic audio processing to create a wider soundstage, an acoustic correction process to increase the perceived height and clarity of the audio image, and bass enhancement processing to create the perception of low bass from the small speakers or headphones typically used with multi-media systems and portable audio players.

07-05-2012

Patent applications by Thomas C.k. Yuen, Newport Beach, CA US

Wai Ching Yuen, Palo Alto, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140361671

COMPUTER INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE - An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).

12-11-2014

20140361893

COMPUTER INPUT/OUTPUT INTERFACE - An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).

12-11-2014

20140362576

COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE - An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).

12-11-2014

Yin Yuen, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110055984

Tip-enhanced resonant apertures - Transmission efficiency and/or spatial resolution provided by resonant apertures can be enhanced by disposing a tip on part of the screen that extends laterally into the aperture. For example, a tip disposed on the ridge of a C-shaped aperture can dramatically improve performance. A spatial resolution of λ/50 has been experimentally demonstrated with this approach. The combination of high spatial resolution and high transmission efficiency provided by this approach enables many applications, such as near field optical probes for near field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). Another application is high resolution electron sources, where an photoelectron emitter can be disposed at or near a tip+aperture structure such that the high resolution optical near-field provides a correspondingly high resolution electron source.